La Midweek Edition -- June 8 -- 10, 2016

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Volume 26 - No. 46 • 3 Sections - 22 Pages

T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y n e w s pA p e r

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DATELINE

UN experts to Rody: Don’t incite violence

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Clinton clinches Democratic presidential nomination

former secretary of state hillary Clinton has secured the Democratic presidential nomination, several media sources reported on monday, June 6, the day before six states held their primaries. the victory in the Puerto rico primary on sunday, June 5 and commitments from previously undecided superdelegates pushed Clinton past the 2,383 delegate threshold needed to capture the nomination, according to a survey by the Associated Press and a delegatecount by CNN. By the AP’s tally on monday evening, Clinton was leading opponent Bernie sanders by 291 pledge delegates, 523 super delegates, and 3 million votes in the race for the Democratic nomination. heading into tuesday’s primary in California, Clinton downplayed pronouncements of her nomination and focused on the races ahead.

“We are on the brink of a historic, historic,

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US, China officials discuss territorial disputes

oBAmA administration officials voiced concerns over territorial disputes between China and five other countries, restrictions to foreign investment in Chinese industries and overproduction from that country’s industrial sector at the Us-China strategic and economic Dialogue in Beijing. on monday, June 6, Us treasury secretary Jacob Lew called on leaders in the People’s republic of China (PrC) to reduce its output of steel and other industrial goods. he said Chinese overcapacity is having a “distorting and damaging effect on global markets.” A glut of supply has weakened the market value of steel, according to CNBC. the Us Department of Commerce has instituted tariffs on steel in response to excess global supply. Chinese finance minister, Lou Jiwei, referred to concerns regarding China’s overcapacity as “hype” and said his country was “confronting the issue squarely,” the Wall street Journal reported.

Lew also pushed for progress on a potential bilateral investment treaty between China and America, something which both countries

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1210 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91204

President elect Rodrigo Duterte

Duterte aide: Media boycott temporary

mANILA — Independent experts of the United Nations have urged president-elect rodrigo Duterte to stop instigating violence following his controversial remarks on the assassination of journalists and summary killings of drug pushers.

Cristof heyns, UN special rapporteur on summary executions, said Duterte’s comments suggesting that journalists are not exempt from assassination are

irresponsible and unbecoming of a leader.

“A message of this nature amounts to incitement to violence and killing, in a nation already ranked as the second-deadliest country for journalists,” heyns said in a statement. “these comments are irresponsible in the extreme, and unbecoming of any leader, let alone someone who is to assume the position of the leader of a coun-

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by Joel

M. Sy egco ManilaTimes.net

there is no bad blood between the media and incoming President rodrigo Duterte, who holds no grudge against any journalist and whose threat of boycott is only “temporary”, according to one of Duterte’s senior Cabinet officials. speaking on condition that he will not be identified, the incoming Cabinet secretary said Duterte’s penchant for making “preposterous” statements should not be taken literally.

“We now know his style. he talks tough and thinks tougher. he had said that people should not believe in everything that he says, especially the preposterous ones. If you would read between the lines and understand what he meant by boycotting the media until his term ends, he was talking about his term as mayor,” the incoming official told the manila times.

“We can all expect a lot of things to change by June 30, when he sheds the mayor persona and assume the role of president,” the source added.

Duterte on tuesday, June 7 clarified his earlier statement that he will no longer grant media inter-

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WET AND WILD. Thousands of supporters of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte brave the downpour during the thanksgiving party at Crocodile Park in Davao City’s Ma-a District last Saturday, June 4. Duterte repeated his program to push hard against crime, particularly drug trafficking, and corruption in government agencies.

Inquirer.net photo by Edwin Bacasmas

Pres. Aquino: Pork barrel and SSS pension hike discussed on the last day of 16th Congress Presidency changed me

by Ian

Kelly JaMotIllo AJPress

the 16th Congress held its last session on monday, June 6, focusing on the Priority Development Assistance fund (PDAf) scam, also called the pork barrel scam, and its failed attempt to override Pres. Benigno Aquino III’s veto on the proposed social security system (sss) pension increase. senate President franklin Drilon said that the senate did more than enough in the past three years

while declaring that the upper chamber had “triumphed over adversity,” especially over its probe on the pork barrel scam which involved three of its members. “how would the nation and our people remember the 16th Congress? how would history judge us? I can say with conviction that this senate did more than enough,” Drilon stated. he went on to boast that 30 major laws — covering the economy, justice, agriculture, workers’ welfare, health and education — were

passed during the three-year term. “our collective efforts yielded a harvest of laws that will strengthen the economy, promote social justice and transform our country into one of the strongest and fastest growing economies in the world,” he said in a speech.

Pork barrel scandal lives Among the eight senators who took their final bows during the end of the 16th Congress were senators Jinggoy estrada, ramon

by aurea

calIca Philstar.com

mANILA — After six years, President Aquino believes he is a changed man. he said the six years of being leader of the country and the enormity of the job had changed him.

“I think I’ve grown as a person,” Aquino told rappler in a live interview on tuesPresident Benigno Aquino III day, June 7. “my mother used to say that the one thing I lacked was my willingness to travel, (to be) exposed to a lot of different cultures... that was such a necessary skill to live with this new age where the world is getting smaller and smaller, but somehow I felt more content in the Philippines,” Aquino said. “so here I am, I have to suddenly deal with a lot of leaders. I have to understand where they are coming from in an effort to find common ground so we can move forward,” he added.

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Bongbong Marcos camp alleges Comelec used of secret server by aJPreSS

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr.

try that calls itself democratic,” he added.

Duterte last week made headlines after saying that journalists are not exempted from assassination as there are those who are engaged in corrupt activities.

“You won’t be killed if you don’t do anything wrong,” the toughtalking executive was quoted as saying.

David Kaye, UN special rap-

the camp of senator ferdinand “Bongbong” r. marcos, Jr. on tuesday, June 7 bared that it will file an election protest, alleging that the Commission on elections (Comelec) used a fourth server to manipulate the national elections held last may.

Atty. Jose Amor Amorado, head of the BBm legal team and Abakada rep. Jonathan Dela Cruz, political adviser of marcos,

told reporters that there was a “fourth server,” kept secret from the public by smartmatic and Comelec. “this was never disclosed. this is the fourth server and therefore it should have been subjected to source code review also and everything else. But this was not disclosed to the public. this is in violation of the law,” de la Cruz said. earlier on tuesday, there was a preliminary investigation into

the marcos camp’s complaint alleging that Comelec and smartmatic personnel violated the Cyber Crime Law. the marcos camp now seeks to file the electoral protest just a few days before incoming President rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni robredo officially take office. “the target date for the filing of the electoral protest is June 28—a day before the June

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A JUNE 8-10, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

UN experts to Rody: Don’t incite…

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porteur on freedom of opinion and expression, said “justifying the killing of journalists on the basis of how they conduct their professional activities can be understood as a permissive signal to potential killers that the murder of journalists is acceptable in certain circumstances and would not be punished.

“This position is even more disturbing when one considers that the Philippines is still struggling to ensure accountability to notorious cases of violence against journalists, such as the Maguindanao massacre,” he said.

Following his controversial statements, Duterte shut down further interviews with media.

Duterte announced Monday, June 6 he would no longer be holding press conferences or do interviews with media. He did not allow journalists beyond the main gate of the premises of the regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways where the Malacañang of the South is located.

Duterte had a meeting there with Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and several other Liberal Party congressmen on Tuesday, June 7.

The incoming president said he is unfazed by the threat of international media groups to boycott his press conferences following his controversial statement on media killings.

Instead, he turned the tables on media and said he was boycotting them.

Duterte’s spokesman Salvador Panelo, however, said the incoming president acknowledges that some journalists lost their lives because of their advocacies.

“He (Duterte) also condemns all killings, harming of journalists regardless of who these personalities are, whether or not they are for or against any administration,” Panelo told the ABS-CBN News Channel.

Panelo said the UN experts’ statement that Duterte’s comment was an incitement to violence and killings was based on a wrong premise.

“What he was saying at that time was you don’t have to be a journalist to get killed. You can be a lawyer, you can be a doctor, anyone else, you will be killed because you committed a grievous wrong to another individual,” the incoming presidential spokesman said.

“So when a journalist is killed, it doesn’t mean that he was killed because he was advocating a particular cause,” Panelo added.

Incoming Department of Education (DepEd) secretary Leonor Briones also stressed the importance of media to achieve the expected change promised by Duterte. “There is heightened expectation for change, not only in education but in all aspects of

our national life. To achieve these changes, particularly in DepEd the support of media is crucial and indispensable,” Briones said in her statement regarding her acceptance of the post offered by the incoming president.

“In all my years as a social activist, media has supported our campaigns. With their help and consistent coverage, the problem of our foreign debt became a national issue,” she added.

“I look forward to working once more with media on basic education reforms,” she said. “No one person can achieve these difficult goals without everyone’s support, particularly media.”

The two UN independent experts also criticized Duterte for promising to pay bounties to police and military officials for every drug lord they turn in.

“Talk of ‘dead or alive’ has no role to play in any state that claims to uphold human rights in law enforcement,” Heyns said, stressing the limits imposed by international instruments on the conduct of law enforcement forces.

“Intentional lethal use of force may only be made when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life and not for common policing objectives,” he said.

“The president-elect fools no one when he says he is not calling on people to be killed.” (Janvic Mateo, Alexis Romero, Edith Regalado/Philstar.com)

Pork barrel and SSS pension hike…

PAGE A1 t

Revilla Jr. and Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile. The three senators were charged with plunder by the Sandiganbayan over their alleged misuse of the pork barrel funds.

Enrile, who is out on bail, was previously detained along with Revilla and Estrada in 2014, before being granted temporary freedom by the anti-graft court last year.

In his closing speech, Enrile expressed gratitude for the senators and the people he had worked with for 27 years (four terms) in the Senate.

SSS pension hike override fails Over 290 lawmakers attempted to override Aquino’s veto of a bill raising the pension for Social Security System (SSS) retirees

by P2,000; but efforts remained futile.

Aquino rejected the measure back in January because adding the hike would cause bankruptcy of the SSS. In a heated debate between Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II, Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares, Manila Representatives Lito Atienza and Amado Bagatsing, and Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, Gonzales pointed out about the ineffective move of the veto override since the Senate had already adjourned.

The proposed law which would increase the monthly pension of 2.1 million pensioners by P2,000 would cost SSS roughly P56 billion despite the agency only earning an annual investment income

of P30 billion.

Colmenares, advocate of the override was hoping for 193 votes needed for the House to overturn the presidential veto of the SSS bill. However, as of Sunday only 128 lawmakers had signed the override resolution.

“We could make history and make a strong legislative intervention to alleviate the plight of our senior citizens. We cannot abdicate on that role mainly because it would be useless,” Colmenares said.

Gonzales on the other hand replied “It’s not an override if it would just be a statement which is far from the override provided for in the Constitution.”

The debate ended with Deputy Speaker Giorgidi Aggabao ruling in Gonzales’ favor. n

COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS: The Commission on Appointments led by its chair Senate President Franklin M. Drilon (4th from left, seated), approved the ad-interim appointments of 196 generals, flag and senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The confirmation of the military officials came just days before the 16th Congress adjourns sine die next week. In photo are (from left) Senators Gringo Honasan, Nancy Binay, Sonny Angara, Koko Pimentel, Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Rodolfo Fariñas, and Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez.

Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

Duterte aide: Media boycott…

PAGE A1 t

views until the end of his term.

“If there are interviews, there will be many mistakes, there will be many criticisms. So no interview, no criticism, no wrong statements, no nothing,” he said when interviewed in Davao.

But in a statement on Tuesday, Duterte explained that his

remarks is only for “ambush interviews.”

“It was not an interview. An ambush to which I replied that I will not allow interviews anymore now or in the future. That will be the drill until the last day of my term of office,” the mayor said.

Duterte recently drew flak for saying that some of the slain me-

dia workers had received payoffs or were involved in shady deals.

Some media outlets reported that Duterte had regarded corrupt journalists as “legitimate targets” but the incoming president’s designated officials claimed his statement was misinterpreted and taken out of context. (With Catherine Valente)

Bongbong Marcos camp alleges…

PAGE A1 t 29 deadline. Yes, definitely we will file an election protest. The truth has to come out – one way or another,” Amorado said.

Amorado explained that the protest will seek a recount of the votes in some areas including the setting aside of the election results in areas where there are clear indications of election fraud and manipulation.

Dela Cruz asserted that they are filing the election protest because they owe it to those who voted for Marcos and to the entire Filipino people to find out what really happened in the May 2016 elections.

“We believe that we have enough evidence to show that there was massive rigging and manipulation of votes,” he said.

Amorado and Dela Cruz cited that the results of their initial findings indicated that between 9:00 p.m. to 10:10 p.m. on May 9, the transmitted election results showed that Marcos lost in 1,689 precincts, many of which are considered bailiwicks of the senator, mostly in the provinces of Leyte,

Samar, Pangasinan and other areas in Region II. Amorado pointed out that instead of being transmitted directly to the Municipal Board of Canvassing servers, the Comelec server and the Transparency server, the results were instead coursed through a “4th Server or the so-called “Queue Server.”

This “4th server” was not di-

vulged to the public and was never subjected to a source code review as what transpired with the other servers used in the elections, according to Dela Cruz. Amorado added that there were no watchers allowed in the so-called “4th Servers.”

Amorado said they have already asked the Comelec to

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Pres. Aquino: Presidency changed…

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Aquino told Rappler’s Maria Ressa that other world leaders did not pay much attention to him in the beginning and would only talk to him because they had to. One of them, according to Aquino, even gave him a soft key sermon when they first met. But after the transformation of the country four or five years later, Aquino said this world leader, whom he refused to name, invited him to his country for a visit.

“Where I used to hear people say it’s such an honor to serve the people, now that I had to face so many challenges and all along...

I can always count on the people to fully support what I had to do really make me feel in a very palpable manner what it means when you say it’s really an honor to serve,” he said.

Aquino also noted he was happy to have led a Philippines that had gained credibility, specifically in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“Now we have ASEAN listening to us and trusting us that we will stand by our words on the issues that affect us,” he said.

In the same interview, Aquino said he still believes most Filipinos did not reject his Daang Matuwid (straight path) slogan even as his anointed successor lost in the elections.

“I disagree,” Aquino told Ressa, who asked him how he handled the “anger of the people,” particularly in social media, which she described as “very organized.”

Aquino, who is 22 days away from relinquishing his post in his fixed six-year term, reminded her that not all accounts of netizens are real – meaning they may have been bogus or spurious to begin with, considering there is no way of authenticating their real identity.

At the same time, Aquino also pointed out those who have been direct beneficiaries of government programs like the conditional cash transfer for the poor-

est of the poor, who show their gratitude to his administration “instantly.”

Aquino cited the 42 percent popularity votes he garnered in the May 2010 polls, compared to the 52 percent net satisfaction ratings he got at this late stage in his presidency, where he beat all his predecessors in terms of popularity.

Aquino though refused to acknowledge that president-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s overwhelming victory over administration bet Manuel Roxas II could be interpreted to mean the people had enough of him and his preferred successor.

He tried to disassociate himself from “Imperial Manila.”

“I’d like to think I’m not actually a Manila-based politician. I did start out from our province (Tarlac). To a certain degree, I have a bias towards the provinces rather than Metro Manila,” Aquino told the editors of the Wall Street

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Dateline USa

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 8-10, 2016

A

Clinton clinches Democratic presidential…

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unprecedented moment. But we still have work to do … we’re going to fight hard for every vote,” said Clinton to supporters at a rally in Long Beach on Monday night.

In light of the Associated Press’s report, Sanders has not announced plans to end his bid for the presidency. On Monday evening, his campaign criticized the widely circulated announcement as “a rush to judgment.”

They emphasized that superdelegates will not cast votes until the Democratic National Convention, which will be held in Philadelphia this July, and should not SO WHO AMONG THEM ARE CORRUPT? Amid allegations by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte that three high-ranking police officials are corrupt, policemen attend Monday’s flag ceremony at the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. have been counted in an official Inquirer.net photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta tally.

“Our job from now until the convention is to convince those superdelegates that Bernie is by far the strongest candiespecially in the fight against be leaving behind.

PAGE A2 t date against Trump,” Sanders’ Journal. poverty.

He revealed his plan of volun- spokesman, Michael Briggs, said Aquino though credited “I think we are breaking that tary silence during an interview Duterte’s campaign as being one vicious cycle (poverty).” last March 20 with the Wall that is so simple yet far-reaching.

There is also no place in the Street Journal.

“Again, we have to credit their country where he is afraid to vis“I think I’m violating my selfcampaign. The brand differentia- it, for the simple reason that he imposed rule that I will keep my PAGE A2 t tion was very pronounced. Per- did not neglect them. mouth quiet at least for a year preserve and secure any and all haps it captured the imagination Aquino said he would bequeath because I’d like to afford him servers, as well as other related of the majority of our people,” he the presidency to his successor that which wasn’t afforded to me IT equipment used in the elecsaid. proud of what he has achieved – where I was nitpicked and criti- tions.

Nevertheless, Aquino said he – that he exceeded people’s ex- cized even before I stepped into Meanwhile, during the prelimiis still in the process of “trying to pectations and that it was more office,” he said. nary investigation, Smartmatic discern” the lessons he learned than enough.

Aquino issued the remarks asked for ten more days to file in his administration, which the “It’s more of how does this when asked what “friendly ad- their answer to the complaint former CNN reporter asked. translate to individuals? I’d like vice” he has for the first 100 days filed.

He insisted the victory of Liber- to think that this is a stepping of Duterte.

Amorado explained that real Party candidate and now vice stone towards the next level, that Aquino said he expects Duterte spondents charged for the violapresident-elect Leni Robredo there was a hindrance to every- to tread the straight path he had tion of the Cybercrime Law now should not be ignored. thing we did. We eliminated the initiated. pending before the Manila ProsAquino did the same for Roxas, problems and it’s up to you to “Hopefully, he will do all of the ecutors’ Office face possible jail who unfortunately lost in the polls nurture it now,” he said. right things that makes it easy for sentences of six to 12 years if but who, he pointed out, hurdled In his many other exit inter- people to support him. And so as found guilty. the presidential race quite sig- views, Aquino said he would let long as we are marching in the Charged for the violation of nificantly, having placed fourth legacy take care of itself when it sense in that direction of really Section 4(a) of the Cybercrime in pre-election surveys to second came to his presidency. uplifting the lot of our people, Prevention Act of 2012 or R.A. in the final and official count.

Aquino promised to keep his why should there be any basis 10175 were Smartmatic personHe then trumpeted the gains mouth shut for at least a year to for conflict or disagreement?” he nel Marlon Garcia, a Venezuelan his administration achieved in give Duterte ample time to im- asked. (With reports from Delon national and head of the techniterms of the local economy, most prove the robust economy he will Porcalla) cal support team; Elie Moreno, an Israeli national and project director; Neil Banigued and Mauricio Herrera both members sovereignty in the region and untapped oil deposits. In 2013, of the Technical Support Team PAGE A1 t have recognized as a goal, ac- built artificial islands and mili- the administration of Philippine and Comelec IT experts led by cording to WSJ. The deal is cur- tary bases in areas claimed by President Benigno S. Aquino III Rouie Peñalba, Nelson Herrera rently stalled on a “negative list,” the Philippines and four other filed complaint against China and Frances Mae Gonzalez who which names Chinese industries southeast asian countries. Kerry to the United Nations’ Perma- are all assigned at the Informathat would remain barred to for- urged officials in Beijing to avoid nent Court of Arbitration. The tion Technology Department eign investors. There are cur- unilateral actions and submit to Philippine government cited the (ITD).

“Our main allegation is that in rently 40 sectors identified on diplomacy and the rule of law on United Nations Convention on that list; American officials would Monday at the S&ED, according the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) the night of May 9, 2016 during in its arguments to the Hague. the time when the transmission like to see that number reduced. to USA today.

Chinese military development The UNCLOS states that nations was already in progress, they US Secretary of State John Kerry restated the administration’s and naval patrols at Scarborough retain jurisdiction over open wa- opened the system and intropreference for a peaceful reso- Shoal and the Spratly Islands ters extending 12 nautical miles duced the new script without permission from the owner of the lution of tensions in the South have pushed Filipinos off of fish- from their borders.

China Sea. The PRC has asserted ing grounds, trade routes and u PAGE A4 system, which is Comelec,” said

Pres. Aquino: Presidency changed…

in a statement.

Sanders and his supporters hope that his strong head-tohead polling against presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump will convince some of those delegates to support Sanders instead of Clinton.

Unless the Vermont senator manages to pull off an unprecedented upset at the convention in July, Clinton will become the first woman to ever receive the nomination of a major American party. The likelihood of her victory at the DNC has encouraged members to publicly rally behind the former Secretary of State. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi announced her endorsement of Clinton during an interview with “Good Morning America” on Tuesday, June 7. President Barack Obama is expected to publicly back his former cabinet member sometime this week.

Political unity on the Democratic side may be an advantage against Republicans who have begrudgingly supported their party’s presumptive nominee. The over-the-top nature of Trump’s campaign has strained his relationships with Republican leaders throughout his candidacy. Most recently, Trump has alleged that Gonzalo P. Curiel, the Latino judge scheduled to preside over a lawsuit regarding Trump University, was biased against him and unfit to hear the case.

House Speaker Paul Ryan denounced Trump’s accusations against Curiel as “the textbook definition of a racist comment,” according to the New York Times.

The real estate mogul’s incendiary statements regarding minorities have driven many members of the Asian American

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Bongbong Marcos camp alleges…

US, China officials discuss territorial…

Amorado.

Earlier, the camp of Marcos said that shortly after the suspicious introduction of the new script the senator’s lead over his closest rival, Leni Robredo, in the vice presidential race began dropping until he was eventually overtaken.

The Church-based election watchdog Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) also urged the Comelec to look into the allegations of poll fraud.

“For the credibility of the elections, all protests and claims accompanied by evidence should be looked into seriously,” PPCRV Chairperson Henrietta de Villa said in a statement. “So Comelec must investigate. Claimants of cheating must have hard and strong evidence to back their claims. If proven guilty, cheaters must be punished heavily and swiftly. [The] PPCRV stands on the side of the truth and the law.” n

Dateline USa

A JUNE 8-10, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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More SoCalGas low-income customers may be eligible for assistance LOS ANGELES — More lowincome customers may now be eligible to receive a rate discount and no-cost energy-saving home improvements from SoCalGas due to new income guidelines that went into effect on June 1 for qualified customers who enroll in the state-sponsored California Alternate Rate for Energy (CARE) and Energy Savings Assistance Program.

The higher income limit means a family can earn more and still be eligible for assistance programs like CARE, which gives income-qualified customers 20 percent off their monthly natural gas bill.

The previous limit of $31,820 for a family of two expired on Tuesday. The current limit is $32,040 a year. Each additional person adds $8,320.

For example, a household of four can earn up to $48,600 to be eligible.

“We are pleased to inform our community about the new guidelines and to encourage those who qualify and can benefit from our assistance programs to enroll,” said Lisa Alexander, vice president of Customer Solutions & Communications for SoCalGas. “The monthly rate discount and savings from no-cost energy-efficient home improvements can make a real difference, especially for struggling families.”

Customer Anselma Hernandez said she appreciates the money she saves on her natural gas bill each month through her participation in CARE. “The program is very good and it is easy to apply,” said Hernandez, who lives in Santa Ana, California “I like how I was treated and it has helped my family very much.”

Luis Barajas, also from Santa Ana, said he has been enrolled in CARE for a long time and always recommends it to his friends, family and neighbors. “I use the savings I receive to pay other bills,” he said.

Under the CARE program, there is a 20 percent rate discount on the monthly natural gas bill for eligible households. Over 1.5 million customers throughout the SoCalGas service are have already been enrolled. Those who qualify and are approved within 90 days of starting new gas service will also receive a $15 discount on the Service Establishment Charge.

The Energy Savings Assistance program provides no-cost, energy-efficient home improvements to income-qualified renters and homeowners. Services may include: Door weather-stripping and caulking to keep unwanted drafts out of the home; attic insulation to help make homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter; low-flow showerheads that can

save energy used to heat water; furnace replacement (owner occupied residences only); and other minor home repairs There are two ways customers can qualify for the CARE and Energy Savings Assistance Program.

Customers may automatically be eligible if their household income is below the new guidelines or a household member currently receives benefits from any of the following public assistance programs: Medi-Cal/Medicaid, MediCal for Families A&B, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), CalWORKs (TANF) or Tribal TANF, DAY OF PRAYERS. About five million Filipino Muslims, or 5 percent of the country’s population, started observing the holy month of Head Start Income Eligible (TribRamadan Monday, June 6. Sen. Bongbong Marcos greeted Filipino Muslims and urged them to “rise above the barriers of different al Only), Bureau of Indian Affairs cultures and faith.”

ManilaTimes.net photo by Abby Palmones General Assistance, CalFresh (Food Stamps), National School Income Guidelines based on 7 - $73,460 assistance. To apply for CARE Lunch Program, Low Income pre-tax annual income: 8 - $81,780 online, visit socalgas.com/care Home Energy Assistance ProHousehold Size Each Additional Person or call (800) 427-2200 or (800) gram (LIHEAP), or Supplemental Income Eligibility Upper Limit $8,320 342-4545 for Spanish.

Security Income (SSI).

1-2: $32,040 * Effective June 1, 2016 to May To apply for Energy Savings As of June 1 of this year, the 3: $40,320 31, 2017 Assistance Program, visit sonew CARE and Energy Savings 4- $48,600 Customers can learn more and calgas.com/improvements or Assistance Program income 5 - $56,880 apply for these and other pro- call (800) 331-7593 English and guidelines are as follows: 6 - $65,160 grams by visiting socalgas.com/ Spanish. n

US, China officials discuss territorial…

PAGE A3 t

Chinese officials deny the Philippines’ legal standing to make a complaint, and did not submit arguments to the UN. They say the issue of territorial sovereignty is beyond the scope of the UNCLOS, and say the Philippines’ petition violates international law, according to China Daily.

Chinese leaders say they will not honor a verdict issued by the Hague that does not honor their claims, RT news reported.

In May, two Chinese fighter jets provided unrequested escort of a US patrol plane flying in the region. According to USA Today, that incident suggests that China might consider imposing an air defense zone over the South China Sea, a move John Kerry said would be a “provocative and destabilizing act.”

The two countries are currently “developing rules of behavior,” with respect to ship to ship encounters in the sea, according to a statement from the US State Department.

At the close of the meeting Chinese and American officials had agreed to intensify dialogue on Asia-Pacific concerns and work to enhance cooperation at multilateral talks. Both sides said they

would “promote international law, including the UN Charter,” according to the state department’s statement.

However, military leaders from the PRC have struck a defiant tone on the matter in the past. ““We do not make trouble, but we have no fear of trouble,” said PRC Admiral Sun Jianguo at a major security summit held in Singapore on Sunday. He added “China will not … allow any infringement on its sovereignty and security interest,” and accused other countries of causing

president’s cabinet are expected to focus on foreign investment, “chaos” in the South China Sea, the glut of industrial goods, climate change and other matters according to CNBC. Both the American and Chinese in which compromises will be governments condemned nucle- easier to negotiate, according to ar weapons testing conducted by CNBC. The thornier topics of Chithe Democratic People’s Repub- nese currency volatility and terrilic of Korea (DPRK), according to torial claims in the South China a statement issued by the US De- Sea will likely be inherited by the partment of State. The two major next presidential administration. powers reaffirmed their coopera- US officials were in Beijing from tive commitments to combat the June 5 until June 7 before travproliferation of nuclear testing, eling to a similar event in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on terrorism and cybercrime.

With only a few months re- June 8, and Jeddah Saudi Arabia maining in the current adminis- on June 9. (Eric Anthony Licas / tration’s tenure, members of the AJPress)

Clinton clinches Democratic presidential…

PAGE A3 t Pacific Islander (AAPI) community to endorse the likely Democratic presidential nominee. As the Asian Journal reported last week, the Asian American Action Fund (AAAF), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Leadership political action committee, and the AAPI Victory Fund (AAPIVF) had all endorsed Clinton before multiple sources declared her the presumptive Democratic nominee.

In a statement announcing their support for the former New

York senator, representatives of the AAPIVF declared its “rejection of the xenophobia and anti-muslim rhetoric embraced by the presumptive Republican nominee.”

Grassroots organization Filipinos Americans for Hillary has expanded its national leadership council ahead of an expected contest for the presidency between Clinton and Trump. Fil-Am elected officials and business and community leaders from across the country -- including former Hawaii Governor Ben Cayetano,

California Appointments Secretary Mona Pasquil, West Sacramento Mayor Chris Cabaldon and California Assemblymember Rob Bonta -- have shown their support for the former New York senator.

As of press time, results for the primaries in California, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota and South Dakota had not been tallied. After those contests, just 20 Democratic delegates will still be left to capture in Washington D.C.’s primary on Tuesday, June 14. (By Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)

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‘PH can elevate case vs China before UN Security Council’

by MiChael Joe

t. delizo

ManilaTimes.net

JPE BIDS FAREWELL. Saying that “old politicians never die, they will just fade away,” Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile thanks his colleagues during his valedictory speech, Monday, June 6. Enrile is retiring from government after having served the country’s executive department for 20 years where he served as justice and defense secretary, and 27 years in the legislative department with four terms in the Senate and three years in the House of Representatives.

Senate photo by Joe Arazas

Peace and order problem can worsen – Lacson ‘Philippines no Wild, Wild West’

by Christina

Mendez

Philstar.com

MANILA — Allowing citizens to arrest suspected drug traffickers in exchange for reward money might turn the country into a “Wild, Wild West” that will only worsen peace and order problems.

The warning was issued by senator-elect Panfilo Lacson, himself accused in the past of involvement in summarily executing kidnapping and robbery suspects and who is also known for his tough stance on criminality.

Lacson, a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), also expressed opposition to Duterte’s call for three PNP generals suspected of involvement in the illegal drug trade to resign or be identified and humiliated in public.

The PNP is inclined to allow

Duterte to expose and relieve the police generals he believes are involved in the illegal drug trade, but officials are not daring him to name names.

Lacson issued the warning after Duterte urged citizens with guns to shoot and kill drug dealers who would resist arrest and fight back.

He said the call could cause confusion among law enforcers and civilians who might take the law into their hands so they could claim the bounty.

“While the Revised Penal Code allows citizen’s arrest and selfdefense as a valid legal reason to kill a person, law enforcement authorities might lose control of the situation as civilians are not trained to gather and process intelligence or conduct overt operations against armed criminals,” Lacson said in a text message to The Star.

He said the situation might escalate into a serious peace and order problem.

“No peace-loving citizen needs or deserves a Wild, Wild West environment,” he said.

During a thanksgiving party in Davao on Saturday, Duterte urged the three generals based at Camp Crame to resign. Lacson said the generals should be allowed to defend themselves against any allegation.

“If the information is baseless, unverified or not validated, it would be unfair not to give them a chance to defend themselves,” he said, noting he was himself a victim of trial by publicity.

The returning senator said private citizens should be encouraged instead to report to authorities the presence of major drug lords and traffickers in their communities. “That is where the

u PAGE A7

THE Philippines should elevate its case to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) if China will not abide by the upcoming ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), an analyst said Tuesday, June 7.

Ernest Bower, senior advisor to the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said China is flexing its muscles in dividing members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to prevent the regional bloc from taking a united action against its activities in disputed waters.

“Beijing believes it could divide ASEAN on the South China Sea disputes,” said Bower who was the guest speaker at the South China Sea disputes forum hosted by the University of the Philippines-Diliman’s College of Law. He said countries claiming parts of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei Darussalam should take the case together against China.

Bower said the Philippines also has the option to take the case to the UNSC for resolution to pacify tensions in the territory.

He cited Resolution 530 issued by the UNSC on May 19, 1983, that resolved the Nicaragua-Honduras border issue. The resolution expressed deep concern at the situation on the Honduras-Nicaragua border disputes and averted a possible military confrontation.

Also, Bower said the US needs to take a non-traditional approach in dealing with issues in the West Philippine Sea. He noted that the US cannot assert itself on the sea row when it has not ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“The US is facing a big country disease, similar to that of China where it does not want to commit its sovereignty to be covered by a Convention [UNCLOS]. It’s a disease where a country thinks it’s big enough to live within its borders,” Bower said.

In a separate interview dur-

ing a forum at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Christopher Roberts, director of executive education at the University of New South Wales, said the international community should put more pressure on China to respect whatever will be the ruling of the international tribunal on the complaint filed by the Philippines against Beijing.

He acknowledged, though, that it will take a lot of efforts to compel China to behave.

“Diplomacy should be the first course. But the problem is, how many decades of diplomacy have been there now? And it seems that diplomacy has been literally exploited and taken advantage of

by Beijing,” he said.

Roberts said China has a “distorted view” about the actions of the Philippines and the international community to supposedly settle the dispute.

“The difficult thing with China is that they have made such a distorted view about all these processes, including a very peaceful process of going to Permanent Court of Arbitration,” he said.

Not budging But Beijing said it will not budge on its claims of ownership over a vast tranche of the South China Sea. During a two-day confab in the Chinese capital, US Secretary of State John Kerry urged China to settle its territorial rows peacefully and based on the “rule of law.”

But Beijing’s top diplomat Yang Jiechi said the United States should butt out of disputes a long way from its shores, including an international arbitration case brought by the Philippines.

China’s stance on the case is “in line with international law,”

Yang said, insisting that Beijing’s position “has not and will not change.”

The case, he said, should be settled directly between the parties involved and called on Washington to “honor its promise of not taking a position in territorial disputes.”

The South China Sea has “been China’s territory since ancient times” and China “has every right to uphold its territorial sovereignty and lawful and legitimate maritime entitlements,” Yang said.

China claims nearly all of the strategically vital sea despite competing claims by several Southeast Asian neighbors, and has rapidly built artificial islands suitable for military use.

Washington has responded by sending warships close to Chinese-claimed reefs, angering Beijing.

The sour ending to the annual Strategic and Economic Dialogue came despite efforts by both sides to smooth out differences that divide the world’s top two economies.

Speaking to reporters, the two sides seemed to talk past each other on the thorny question of how to settle a conflict in the region kicked off by the Chinese construction.

Both called for peaceful settlement of the issue and pledged to support freedom of navigation through the region’s air and waters, but their remarks suggested very different visions for achieving those goals.

The US will continue its “fundamental support for negotiations and a peaceful resolution based on the rule of law”, Kerry said. (With reports from AFP)

A JUNE 8-10, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Features

Minor hiccup

SEVERAL emerging markets in the world have experienced exceptional economic strides. These nations are mostly highly export-driven with strong inflows of capital and investment and well-capitalized banking institutions.

Many emerging markets have already “emerged.” Now that it is no longer the “Sick Man of Asia,” it is high time for the Philippines to experience this and become an integral player in the world economy as well. The country is a good option for its low start-up costs for new businesses, desirable workforce, and geographical proximity to other Asian markets. Foreign investments are more than welcome in the country.

The Philippines’ standing in the International Institute for Management Development’s (IMD) World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) for 2016 has seen a minor setback after falling to 42nd place from 41st last year. This drop comes despite being hailed as the one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

The annual report measures four broad factors in measuring competitiveness—economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure. It uses economic data from various international and national sources, as well as an opinion survey in generating over 300 criteria to assess and rank the competitiveness of nations.

The WCY also suggested that the incoming administration under President-elect Rodrigo Duterte

address these challenges to improve the country’s competitiveness landscape: Secure businesses and communities from conflicts and calamities; Sustain governance reforms at all levels and across administrations; Enhance infrastructure, human capital, and cooperation to reduce transaction costs; Develop a competitive business environment to benefit from ASEAN integration and Foster shared prosperity through entrepreneurship and decent employment.

Under a new management, with Pres.-elect Duterte at the helm, the Philippine economy is poised to emerge as an economic prospect and attractive business destination. His economic team is set to meet this month to assess current government forecasts.

Incoming Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said that the incoming government is considering lowering the economic growth targets for the country in the next three years.

“Public spending, especially for public infrastructure, does not affect economic growth instantaneously. There is usually a lag. “Second half growth rate will be slower...as the impact of election spending fades. Agricultural sector and exports would continue to be weak,” Diokno re-

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

vealed.

To avoid an economic regression, the incoming government should address issues such as weak institutions, poverty and corruption continue to dissuade investors and make exporting in the country challenging.

Breaking through to the next level is all about meeting and exceeding expectations. As auspicious as it is. The Philippine economy should no longer settle for minor improvements and find ways to being consistently good rather than great just once in a while. (AJPress)

The Church is now haunted by its many failings

DONE mocking his opponents in the presidential race, The Digong is now using almost every forum to vent his ire on the Church. He has accused the Church of basically two things, hypocrisy and irrelevance, and, the Church, shocked by the audacity of The Digong, has come out with nothing but guarded, timid responses. Never in the history of the Church, dating back to the early years of the Spanish reign, has the institution found itself bombarded and helpless.

The minor reason is this. For the first time in the country’s modern history, the elected President is not someone the Church and its hierarchy knows.

The populist choice in 1998 was Erap Estrada. But despite Erap’s acting background and tough guy image, he was trained by the Jesuits, and the men he named to the Cabinet and important government posts were insiders webbed to the centers of political and economic power. And webbed to the power centers of the Church.

The Digong is a real tough guy whose rise to power was based on narratives he was unapologetic about—killing criminals, the summary execution of drug dealers and his zero tolerance (whatever means of containing them was OK) toward people involved in the business of crime. All Old Testament narratives of rage, death and fury. His favorite verb is “ kill.” His favorite expression is “galit ako.” The men he named to important posts, who will soon assume frontline and Cabinet-rank

WE are missing out on the more substan- Demand tive aspects of the new administration’s plans and Supply after taking office. The nightly press conference of Du30 is sheer entertainment unless the reporters are able Boo ChanCo to ask better questions on how he plans to deliver the change he promised.

Mr. Duterte made the right decision to stop giving press conferences. That will force the reporters to talk to the prospective Cabinet members about their plans and programs.

I am sure that by now, Mr. Duterte and members of his Cabinet are starting to get daunted by the enormous tasks they face and the high public expectations.

They have to, as the cliché goes, hit the ground running on Day 1.

Unfair as it may be, people will expect visible changes as soon as the first month. This is particularly true in Metro Manila where people voted heavily for Mr. Duterte in protest over how the Aquino administration bungled the job of looking after their welfare.

In Metro Manila, I cannot think of a more visible problem than traffic and inadequate mass transport. Both seem like impossible to alleviate in the short term, but patience from harassed Metro Manilans will be short. This is why I agree with the proposal for emergency powers raised by Ed Yap who heads the transport committee of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP).

It seems we have done all the easy

positions, have very tangential if not zero links to the Church.

Opinion His campaign manager and longtime aide was a former priest-turned-rebel, who, disgusted by the irrelevance of the official Church in addressing the plight of those identified in The Sermon on the Mount, dropped Marlen ronquillo his homilies, went underground and carried a gun.

There is nothing, virtually nothing, in the institutional memory of The Digong in which he collaborated with the official Church to tame the excesses of Davao City and govern it according to his dictum. His colorful personal life and his openness with his many affairs were, in a sense, an open challenge on the basic teachings of the Church.

But, as I said, that is just the minor reason. There is a bigger one.

The Church and its intellectuals and theoreticians cannot counter the message of The Digong. Which is to basically serve the constituencies specified in The Sermon on the Mount: the weak, the humble, the afraid and the persecuted, though through methods decried in the Ten Commandments. The people (like my neighbors and I) who have nowhere to go and turn to during times of trouble, persecution and scarcity. The Church cannot even invoke that there is another way for-

ward, a Christian way, a civil one and a Godly one. Because there is none.

When, really, was the last time the Church stood for the downtrodden?

Reviewing the Church’s highprofile involvement in the public affairs, the most prominent image that comes to mind is this—Cardinal Tagle tearing up after reading the sordid affairs of the Napoles scam. The accompanying article said that Cardinal Tagle was shocked to see a scandal of that magnitude, at least P10 billion in a SARO-for-cash exchange.

The pork scam was pure and unalloyed evil. It was also unprecedented in the history of a historically compromised Congress. From the part of the cardinal, condemning the pork scam was a moral imperative. After that, many hoped that Cardinal Tagle would use his great and awesome moral authority to indict and condemn the greatest evil of our time—the control of 40 or so families of the nation’s wealth and our vastly unequal society.

Even Pope Francis has said that inequality “is the defining issue of our time.” In the Philippine context, it skews everything to favor the economic elite. It sucks up GDP gains to further fatten the already immense wealth of these 40 or so families.

It is at the root of all things that cripple the mobility of the sectors below.

By refusing to take on the greatest evil of our time, Cardinal Tagle just collaborated with the efforts of the Aquino administration to paint “corruption” as the only and true evil, the root of the national malaise. With the Church and the so-called “civil society” behind Mr. Aquino, his administration used “corruption” as a wag-the-dog narrative to divert national attention from what Mr. Aquino was really doing—serving the top 1 percent and leaving the 99 percent to fend for themselves.

Mr. Aquino raised GDP growth, got credit upgrades and created a class of dollar billionaires that are now classified as “those-who-can-buy-asmall-country-rich.” The understated poverty level of 20-plus percent never moved. In some dying areas of Mindanao, the poverty level was 84 percent, and the ARMM had worse literacy and poverty rates than Idi Amin-wrecked Uganda.

Through all these and the unapologetic service of Mr. Aquino to his true masters—the top 1 percent—the Church was a mute spectator, and, in a sense, an abettor.

So now, as The Digong mocks and taunts the Church for its hypocrisy and irrelevance, he finds no public rebuke and sanction. The Church failed to follow a timeless Church dictum—you reap what you sow—and its failings are now haunting the institution. (ManiaTimes.net)

Duterte’s traffic test

things to alleviate the traffic problem. Now, almost everything the new administration can do amounts to shifting chairs on the deck of the Titanic.

I am afraid there is no choice but to do more of the same things in the immediate term to show something is being done. But these must all be done with more passion and political will. The most important element that will make a difference for Mr. Duterte and his Transportation secretary is political will.

For example, I understand that 40 percent of buses on EDSA are colorum or those riding on franchises of other bus operators. Will prospective Transport Secretary Art Tugade have the cojones to get those colorum buses out of EDSA within a week of assuming office?

Only former MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando dared to get the colorum buses out of the streets, but he didn’t get enough political support from then President Gloria Arroyo. Fernando was stopped by LTFRB from doing LTFRB’S job. Tugade must have the total support of Duterte. It will also help if they have someone like Fernando as MMDA chairman.

Getting the colorum buses out is not enough. The remaining operators must start paying salaries and benefits to drivers rather than demanding a boundary fee. That is critical to getting drivers to behave on EDSA and not aggravate traffic problems as drivers maneuver recklessly to get passengers.

Reducing the number of buses must also be complemented by reducing the number of commuters during rush hours. This may require shifting some work hours as this seems easier to do than adjusting school hours. Many schools are now on three shifts due to limited number of classrooms.

Since President-elect Duterte has announced he would start working at 1 p.m., maybe government offices could start working at the same time and go all the way to 8 pm. This way, they will not add to commuter volume in the morning rush hours.

There is the added benefit of private sector workers being able to transact business with government after 5 pm without having to take a day off from work. Former newsman Junep Ocampo thought of this scheme.

Then there are call centers whose thousands of workers suffer serious commuting problems daily. While many of them work the graveyard shift, there are enough of them on regular shifts who would appreciate better commuting conditions.

I heard the Duterte administration will take decisive action on this problem by discouraging or even preventing new call centers to be located in Metro Manila. This is also in line with the call of Mr. Duterte to decongest Metro Manila by directing new businesses to locate in the provinces.

As it happens, a call center can be located anywhere with a reliable broadband service. Close to Metro Manila, Clark seems to be a good place for new call centers to be located or older ones to be relocated. Or Laguna and Batan-

gas provinces.

The Duterte administration can fast track this policy of relocating call centers outside Metro Manila by instructing the PEZA to deny export processing zone status to any call center wanting to locate in Metro Manila. This may hurt some property developers who are still building call center buildings, but it is good for the rest of Metro Manila residents.

The other traffic problem is in the air, over NAIA. The air traffic problem is also causing horrendous losses for passengers, airlines and hurting the country’s reputation and desirability for business.

A quick help is to shift all general aviation out of NAIA to Sangley or Lipa.

But P-Noy and his boys didn’t have the balls to carry this out. They kowtowed to corporate taipans who do not want to be inconvenienced when they fly their corporate planes.

The time it takes for a corporate jet seating 10 people or less and an Airbus with over 300 passengers to to take off or land is the same. Let us see if Duterte and Tugade can do what must and can be done even without emergency powers.

Incidentally, a reader e-mailed me his reaction to a news report about a British consultant CAAP hired to help solve NAIA congestion: “Hi Boo, if you will recall in my email many months ago, I reacted to the P66 million consultancy fee that CAAP will be paying the British consultants, employed to study/and submit recommendations on the worsening NAIA air traffic delays. Tonight, in the news, CAAP

has announced that the British consultants have not delivered the results of their study. Haha, well maybe there’s none to recommend anyway except: Build a new goddam airport! Exactly what I meant. Sayang ang pera, sa totoo lang. Thanks a lot...

“Re Clark: Forget Clark! Just because it has an existing Rw02/20 parallel runways, it doesn’t mean both runways can simultaneously be utilized for wide body aircraft operations, one for takeoff, the other for landing aircrafts. Pang fighter planes lang applicable yun in the ’60s.

“Minimum wingtip to wingtip clearance between the two parallel runways is insufficient to meet FAA/ ICAO standards. Reclaim and build Sangley is my best suggestion pa rin. Goodnite sir.”

There are many more things in a “to do” list for the first 100 days of the new administration than one column can discuss. These are just some examples of what could be done to respond to the traffic problems that will make people think positively of the new administration.

I don’t think Mr. Duterte will be judged by the people on the basis of what the Malacañang press brat pack reports about his wolf whistles. The new administration will be judged on what they can visibly deliver very quickly on very real everyday problems. Euphoria over his election can dissipate very quickly unless people see action on the ground.

We can talk about other fast deliverables in future columns. *** Boo Chanco’s e-mail address is bchanco@gmail.com.

Follow him on Twitter @boochanco

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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Dateline PhiliPPines

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 8-10, 2016

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Pacquiao’s tax arrears mounting – Henares third teams had the same findings, which were made the basis for the final assessment,” she MANILA — The tax arrears said. She said she gave the same of outgoing Sarangani con- treatment to Dunkin Donuts as gressman and incoming senator she would give to other taxpayManny Pacquiao are mounting, ers similarly situated.

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) “If you approach me to contest Commissioner Kim Henares said our assessment, I will ask you if on Monday, June 6. you will accept another audit,” Henares told ABS-CBN News she added.

Channel that three years ago, the On the issue of increasing BIR assessed the Pacquiaos a tax the 12-percent value added tax, deficiency of P3.2 billion, which Henares said what the incoming included penalties, for income administration should probably earned in 2008 and 2009.

“He sued us, we did not sue him. Since then, the penalties have been increasing,” she said.

She said Pacquiao’s resort to a court case did not freeze his tax liabilities. She added that at some point, the boxing champion would have to settle those obligations.

COMMODORE VILLAR: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Auxiliary conferred on Senator Cynthia Villar the honorary rank of a Commodore.

Henares denied that Pacquiao The senator, a known environmental advocate, thanked the PCG for the honor and expressed support for the marine environment negotiated for a compromise protection mandate of PCG. The donning ceremony was witnessed by LLDA Secretary Neric Acosta, former French Ambassador Hubert d’ Aboville, Vice Admiral Valentin Prieto, Rear Admiral William Melad and Commissioner Ramon Moreno of the PCGA. Senate photo settlement.

“What he paid were taxes for succeeding years,” she said.

Pacquiao is the only billionaire member of the House of Representatives. He was worth P1.6 dent Rodrigo Duterte.

Davao.

by LLanesca T. PanTi Belmonte, vice chairman of ManilaTimes.net Belmonte said the decision to billion in 2014. He reportedly the Liberal Party (LP), admitted coalesce with PDP-Laban is not a earned $240 million from the OUTGOING Speaker Feliciano that he has discussed the matter party stand but a decision of LP $600-million gross income his fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. Belmonte, Jr. and other members with Davao del Norte Rep. Pan- members in the House. of the Liberal Party at the House taleon Alvarez, Duterte’s bet for The speaker said LP will not in May last year had generated.

Henares also denied that she of Representatives are keen on Speaker. ask Duterte to give any Cabinet a merger with PDP-Laban, the The meeting between Bel- position to Vice President-elect gave a special treatment to Dunkin Donuts owners. “They political party of incoming Presi- monte and Alvarez transpired in Leni Robredo. n talked to me because they were contesting our assessment. I asked them if they would agree to a second audit, and they agreed. be not supported by evidence. support the information on the I ordered a second audit by anPAGE A5 t PNP won’t dare Rody incentive of monetary reward three active generals,” Marquez other team and a third audit by The PNP won’t officially dare said. should come into play,” Lacson a different team. The second and said as he outlined the process of Duterte to name the generals, as Mayor urged the public to give verifying the list of drug suspects it would be improper for them to Duterte a chance to implement do so, being his subordinates. and other criminal syndicates. his programs in getting rid of the facing administrative or criminal case arising from an event relat“The PNP is under him. Let’s illegal drug trade.

“The process entails a series of exchanges of information among just give him the chance to imHe said Duterte would have ed to official duty.

The bill requires the chiefs of the different intelligence agen- plement his programs,” PNP the chance to audit the PNP’s spokesman Chief Supt. Wilben intelligence funds and how it is the Armed Forces of the Philipcies.”

After this, the drug suspects Mayor told The STAR. used once he assumes the presi- pines, PNP and National Police Commission (Napolcom) to auMayor earlier said they sent dency. are placed in the Order of Battle anti-drug counterintelligence (OB) of the authorities.

“He will be our president in the thorize any lawyer, with the as“The OB is a classified docu- agents to dig into the alleged in- next few days, he will have all the sistance of the Public Attorney’s ment and declassifying it fol- volvement of some PNP generals power and prerogative to direct Office (PAO), to provide free lows a defined procedure and in the drug trade. all the anti-crime efforts,” Mayor legal assistance to any AFP and PNP personnel within 24 hours He said what they had gath- said. timeline. The public has no diafter the charges are filed. rect or indirect access to it,” he ered so far was raw and unveriFree legal assistance Expenses for the provision of fied information. said.

The House of Representatives PNP chief Director General Ri- has approved on third and final such assistance will be charged About a decade ago, Lacson was accused of having links with cardo Marquez said no evidence reading a bill providing free le- to these agencies’ budgets.

The Department of Justice, in the illegal drug trade by former to validate the accusation has gal assistance to police officers anti-narcotics agent Mary Ong been collected yet. or soldiers who face charges in coordination with the AFP, PNP, Napolcom and PAO, will issue “We deployed special teams connection with their job. alias “Rosebud” and alleged infrom the AIDG (Anti-Illegal Drug former Ador Mawanay.

Camarines Sur Rep. Felix Wil- the implementing rules and reguHe had denied the allegation, Group) to the Visayas. But up to liam Fuentebella, author of the lations once the bill is signed into which became the subject of a now, the work is in progress. No bill, said the measure aims to law. (With Cecille Suerte Felipe, Senate inquiry and turned out to evidence has been gathered to help police or military personnel Marvin Sy, Jess Diaz)

by Jess

Diaz Philstar.com

Belmonte eyes coalition with PDP-Laban

Peace and order problem can worsen – Lacson

do is to review VAT exemptions.

“Under the present law, there are numerous exemptions. The alphabet has not been enough for the enumeration of such exemptions. So they used AA, double B, double C, and so on,” she said.

She defended her boss, outgoing Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, against the statement of incoming finance chief Carlos Dominguez III that Purisima had six years to work for comprehensive tax reform but did not do it. n

A JUNE 8-10, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal

B

Duterte admin considers lowering economic growth targets

by Prinz

P. MagtuLis Philstar.com

MANILA — Despite promising higher government spending, the Duterte administration is contemplating on lowering economic growth targets this year until 2019 during a review before it takes over this month.

“Public spending, especially for public infrastructure, does not affect economic growth instantaneously. There is usually a lag,” said incoming Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno on Monday, June 6. “(President-elect Rodrigo) Duterte’s economic team will have a chance to re-assess current government forecasts when we meet before the end

of June,” he said in a text message.

Under the medium-term economic program, gross domestic product (GDP) growth is targeted to rise between 6.8 and 7.8 percent this year.

It is expected to slow down to 6.6 and 7.6 percent next year, before bouncing back to seven to eight percent in 2018 and 6.9 to 7.9 percent in 2019.

Echoing incoming finance chief Carlos Dominguez, Diokno said this year’s goal is “on the high side” despite a 6.9 percent uptick in the first quarter.

GDP expansion in the first three months was the fastest in three years.

“Second half growth rate will

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‘Competition law not a burden to businesses’

by Kristyn

niKa M. ManilaTimes.net

Lazo

PHILIPPINE Competition Commission (PCC) Chairman Arsenio Balisacan has defended the Philippine Competition Act, debunking claims that the new competition law will be a burden to companies and enterprises due to additional requirements by the commission.

Responding to concerns from some business groups that the new law would add ‘red tape’ to the process of investing, Balisacan explained, “Clearly, the intention of the law is to make the business

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Philstar.com photo

by Lawrence

agcaoiLi Philstar.com

MACTAN, Cebu — The country’s property sector remained vibrant in the first quarter, according to the Residential Real Estate Price Index (RREPI).

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo told participants in the central bank’s 12th Media Lecture Series the RREPI increased 9.2 percent in the first

quarter from 5.1 percent in the fourth quarter of last year.

The RREPI in the National Capital Region (NCR) went up to 9.7 percent from 6.3 percent, while that of areas outside NCR (AONCR) increased to 9.4 percent from 5.9 percent.

“This represents a vibrant housing industry in the Philippines and the robustness of this conclusion is confirmed by the trends in consumer prices as well as the recent result of the

Consumer Expectation Survey,” he said.

The Consumer Expectations Survey (CES) for the first quarter showed the overall confidence index rising to -5.7 percent from -8.1 percent in the fourth quarter of last year, matching the all-time high of -5.7 percent recorded in the second quarter of 2013.

The robust confidence of Filipino consumers was attributed to the higher election-related spending.

Guinigundo said real property price movements in NCR and AONCR relatively follow the same pattern from the first quarter to the third quarter in 2015 with growth rates in AONCR at the lowest.

He pointed out year-on-year growth of real property prices in AONCR increased at a faster rate starting in the third quarter of last year due to higher growth rates in prices of townhouses and

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PH targets 6 areas to improve global competitiveness by richMond

s. Mercurio

Philstar.com

PCC Chairman Arsenio Balisacan

MANILA — The Philippines will focus on six priority areas where the country has been downgraded over the past five years as it moves toward attaining the country’s target of ranking in the top third of several international competitiveness

surveys.

These priority areas are trading across borders, protecting minority investors, enforcing contracts, registering property, starting a business and paying taxes.

In a presentation on Tuesday, June 7 at the 4th Annual Ease of Doing Business Summit, National Competitiveness Council

(NCC) co-chairman for the private sector Bill Luz showed these six areas emerged as the major factors which dragged down the country’s competitiveness over the past few years.

From 2011 to 2016, Luz said Philippines’ rankings in terms of trading across borders have plunged 34 notches.

This was followed by protect-

ing minority investors in which the country’s rankings fell 23 notches, and enforcing contracts which posted a 22-notch decline.

In registering a property, international competitiveness surveys showed the Philippines dropped 10 notches over the five-year period, while starting a business

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B JUNE 8-10, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

Business news

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What’s New Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA

Duterte admin considers lowering…

PAGE B1 t

be slower...as the impact of election spending fades. Agricultural sector and exports would continue to be weak,” he said.

This, in turn, may spill over to the next years as Diokno said even a bigger infrastructure outlay may not be enough to meet present targets.

He had earlier said that under Duterte, capital outlays will rise to between five and seven percent of GDP from 3.3 percent last year, which was the highest since at least 1991.

This, in effect, will bring the budget deficit to three percent of GDP from 0.9 percent last year.

“There is usually a lag. The lagged effects depend on the scale of the (infrastructure) project,” the upcoming budget chief said.

“Small-scale projects have short lags, (while) large scale projects have long lags,” he added.

On the conservative side Sought for comment, Emilio Neri Jr., lead economist at Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), said the next government is try-

ing to temper expectations.

“They want to be conservative. We do expect some slowdown in the second half, but I think with higher outlays, they should be able to boost growth to seven percent on their second year,” Neri said in a phone interview.

Businessmen, meanwhile, said growth outcomes will highly depend on the quality of infrastructure to be built.

“Spending for infrastructure will be good for the country.

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No assest bubble: Philippine…

PAGE B1 t

condominium units.

He said condominium units posted the highest year-on-year growth in prices at 12.9 percent followed by townhouses at 8.5 percent.

Furthermore, about seven out of 10 residential real estate loans granted were for the purchase of new housing units.

“Condominium units were the most common house purchases in NCR, while in AONCR, single detached houses were the most popular,” he said.

Data showed NCR accounted for half or 50.4 percent of the residential real estate loans granted in the first quarter followed by Calabarzon with 28.4

percent, Central Luzon with 7.6 percent, Western Visayas with 3.8 percent, and Central Visayas with 3.3 percent.

“Because of the vibrant nature of the housing industry, asset price inflation is quite remote because it is driven by robust demand, not oversupply,” Guinigundo said. The BSP started collecting data from banks last November through the issuance of a circular requiring all universal and commercial banks as well as thrift banks to submit quarterly reports on Residential Real Estate Loans granted to help detect macro-prudential risks stemming from the real estate market.

The construction of RREPI based on banks’ approved hous-

ing loan applications is a first in the Philippines and is expected to provide a valuable tool in assessing the real estate and credit market conditions in the country.

The availability of data on property prices is one of the information gaps identified in the Group of Twenty (G-20) report following the Global Financial Crisis, and is also included in the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) Plus categories under Financial Soundness Indicators that member countries of the International Monetary Fund should adhere to within five years from the time the country signifies its intent to participate in this global undertaking. n

YOU may be subject to harsh penalties - penalties that are more severe than you expect, penalties that can even exceed balances in your accounts if you are a US citizen (or dual citizen) residing outside the US who do not report your foreign accounts.

Therefore, it is critical that you learn the new rules for FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) to determine if you should report your offshore accounts.

Background on FBARs. Each US person who has a signature, financial interest, or other authority over any foreign financial accounts, including securities and bank accounts with an aggregate value of more than $10,000 at any time during the calendar year, in a foreign country, must report in each calendar year by filing an FBAR with the Department of the Treasury on or before June 30th of the succeeding year.

Potential FBAR penalties • Typically, the civil penalty for willfully failing to file an FBAR can be up to the greater of $100,000 or 50% of the overall balance of the foreign account at the time of the violation.

• Alternatively, non-willful violations that the IRS concludes are not due to reasonable cause are subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 per violation.

• May arise to: • Failure to file and failure to pay penalties • Civil penalties may also arise

Penalties for noncompliant US citizens residing abroad including the fraud penalty • Accuracy-related penalty, and • Other information reporting penalties.

• If the IRS determines the violation was due to reasonable cause, no penalties will be imposed.

Reasonable Cause for Failure to File FBAR: Included are factors that weigh in favor of a determination that an FBAR violation was due to reasonable cause: • Reliance upon a professional tax advisor who was informed of the existence of the foreign account, • That it was for a legitimate purpose that the unreported account was established and none whatsoever, were there signs of efforts taken to deliberately conceal the reporting of income or assets, and • No tax deficiency was found (or there was a tax deficiency but the amount was de minimis).

Following are factors that weigh against a determination that an FBAR violation was due to reasonable cause: • Whether the taxpayer’s education and background indicate that he should have had the knowledge of the FBAR reporting, • Whether there was a tax deficiency in relation to the unreported foreign account, and • Whether the taxpayer failed to disclose to the person preparing his tax return the existence of the account.

Generally, the taxpayer is granted reasonable cause relief when he/she can demonstrate to the

IRS that he/she exercised ordinary business care and prudence but nevertheless failed to meet the tax burden. Included are factors that demonstrate in whether or not ordinary business care and prudence were exercised: • Reasons provided for the taxpayer’s failure to meet the tax obligations; • Compliance history of the taxpayer; • Length of time between the failure of the taxpayer to meet the tax obligation and the subsequent compliance; Circumstances beyond the taxpayer’s control.

What the IRS Considers as Facts and Circumstances that determine Reasonable Cause for Failure to File FBAR: • Whether the taxpayer has been penalized before; • Whether the taxpayer has been previously subject to the tax; • The taxpayer’s education; • Level of complexity of a tax or compliance issue.

• Whether there were recent changes in the tax law that the taxpayer could not reasonably be expected to know.

In accordance with IRS Circular 230, this communication is not to be considered a “covered opinion” or other written tax advice and should not be relied upon for IRS audit, tax dispute, or any other purpose. *** Sy Al-os Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities.

The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS and other governmental agencies.

(Advertising Supplement)

PH targets 6 areas to improve global…

PAGE B1 t

and paying taxes recorded declines of nine and two notches, respectively.

“We have not done enough.

We cannot be satisfied with what has been accomplished so far. I’m afraid we cannot open those champagne bottles yet. We have just scratched the surface,” Trade Secretary and NCC chair Adrian Cristobal Jr. said.

The NCC, however, noted key areas where the country has made significant gains in rankings for the past five years, such resolving insolvency (up 100

notches), dealing with construction permits (up 57), getting electricity (up 35) and getting credit (up 19).

“What this reflects more than anything is a deep level commitment on the part of government and private sector to make the country more competitive and improve conditions in the country for both businesses and consumers,” Luz said.

“I am confident that given the commitment and teamwork shown by all the agencies and private sector, we can turn those downgrades around and overtake

some countries. One thing about competitiveness is every country is trying to outdo each other so we cannot standstill because we will be overtaken,” he added.

Among the 12 international competitiveness surveys which the NCC monitors, the Philippines has so far breached the top third in two of them, namely the Global Competitiveness Index and the Global Gender Gap Report of the World Economic Forum.

Meanwhile, the Philippines has posted significant gains in

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Community Journal

B

Seniors seek relief from credit card debt

Debt Relief Atty. lAwrence yAng CLIENTS are young seniors at 60. Husband has a stable middle management job that pays $5K a month. Wife is not employed.

They don’t own a house. They rent for $1200 a month and pay for a 2016 Lexus SUV 3.0. They enjoy travelling by SUV. This is the little luxury that they indulge in. On weekends, they drive to the border of Las Vegas and try their luck at the slot machines.

This is their routine almost every weekend. On some weekends, they may drive to the beach at Santa Monica or Dana point and just relax, soaking in the sun and enjoying the sea breeze. This is their life in Southern California since they moved to Los Angeles thirty years ago. Kids are all adults, on their own and have their own lives and families. They have been empty nesters for the last fifteen years.

The problem is that in the last twenty years, they accumulated $80K of credit card debt.

Minimum payment to keep them current is $2,400 a month. This is half their gross income and double their rent. Believe it or not, they are still current on the

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Part 2 of 2)

HALF a lifetime later and half a world away, I have forgotten much about the murdered American soldier. Buried in the mists of time, his story would have remained shelved, tucked away in my memory banks and promptly forgotten until I came across an account of that incident long ago on the internet.

Written by Virgilio Lacaba, I read a long, detailed article, perhaps a reprint, on “Strange Occurrences at the UP” and like a flood, everything came rushing back as though it happened yesterday. Weeks after the session, I remember being interviewed for an article in a then popular weekly magazine, Mr. & Ms., by Neni Santa Romana Cruz, a wellknown Filipino writer who also happened to be the elder sister of a good friend from St. Scholastica’s College, the kind and gentle Chona Santa Romana, who incidentally and sadly, I learned much later, was herself a tragic victim of murder and domestic foul play, sometime in the late eighties. I had left the country for America by then and lost touch.

I do remember that during the interview for the article I have had to be careful in how the story is presented because I was living, working and studying in an academic environment, which by default should place reason and scientific explanation on everything that happens in the world.

Paranormal phenomenon is an entirely different ball of wax that supposedly rational beings do not normally subscribe to, something that would raise skeptical brows.

Yet I have found that life is not entirely rational, a lot of things don’t make sense and we have only begun to chip away at the great mysteries of life that lay before us. I am thus convinced that quite possibly, I am just one of the multitudes the world

$80K. None of the $80K credit card debt is on past due status. I guess wife takes care of sending out the $2,400 to fifteen credit card companies every month.

That alone is a full time job. No wonder she doesn’t work. Clients have been working for the credit card companies, paying them $2,400 a month, $28K a year.

And how much have they paid in the last twenty years to keep their cards current? $576K, more than half a million dollars! And how much do they still owe today after paying $576K? They still owe the very same $80K! If they had just set aside the $576K in savings, instead of paying credit cards, think of what clients can do with half a million dollars today, now that they are 60? Well, for one, instead of renting, they can fully pay for a house. Or, they can invest that in a wealth portfolio that will give them at least $2,500 a month in additional income even at a 5% annual return. Or, they can pay for the 2016 Lexus in cash. Think about all the productive things they can do with half a million dollars in cash. They can travel and enjoy all the beautiful sights and cultures that the world has to offer.

When you’re younger you don’t think about these things until it is too late. You think you will live forever and you will be young forever. But reality sets in

when you turn 60. I don’t know why that’s the magic number.

People are not faced with the prospect of mortality in their forties or fifties. But the sixties are different. I believe it is because the next decade after the sixties is the seventies. While one can still be “young” at 60 and do practically anything that one can do in their thirties, except at a slower pace, at 70 the whole range of possibilities changes.

At 70, the signs of physical aging are obvious, unless one has managed to delay these signs by exceptionally healthy eating, living and exercise. Unfortunately, despite all the advances in stem cell technology and cancer cures, mankind has not yet been able to defeat the number one cause of death of humans, old age. The oldest person today is 116. How many of us can even reach 90? Most of us will kick the bucket and either be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in paradise, or locked in a 10 x 10 feet cell guarded by monsters who will eat our flesh in hell in our eighties. If you are 60 now, that’s just another 20 to 25 years from now. The choice is life eternal with total joy and bliss with our Lord and Savior in his Father’s house in heaven, or an eternity of pain and suffering in hell with Lucifer, the choice, my friend, is yours.

The curious case of Stephen C. Davis: A ghost story “…he was no more than a lonely soul whose young life was cut down so suddenly and so tragically one dark moonless night. …” over who believe that there are things in the universe that are far beyond the scope of reason and known science to explain and things that are far beyond human intelligence to comprehend fully.

Quite plainly, there are things in this world that cannot be defined, completely understood and pegged in a nice, neat box.

The curious case of this murdered American soldier reaching out from the grave is probably one of them.

As a postcript decades later, Lacaba updated the account by verifying the information about Stephen Davies with the American Battle Monuments Commission (http: //www.abmc. gov/search/detailwwnew.php).

Something may have been lost in the spelling and translation during the sessions, for there were two entries for Stephen Davis (there was no e though in the Davis) — one was Stephen E. Davis, a US Air Force officer who was killed in Hawaii and whose remains were never recovered and a Stephen C. Davis. The latter was listed as Seaman, First Class, U.S. Navy, with Service # 3759920 and that he had entered the service in California. The approximate date of death was December 15, 1945 in Manila, Philippines.

Davis earned a Purple Heart Award posthumously. Just like the other Davis in Hawaii, there were no remains recovered. The name of Stephen C. Davis is inscribed in one of the hemicycles on the west side in the American Cemetery near Forbes Park and what used to be Fort Bonifacio, a military camp sold to private real estate developers during the

nineteen nineties and now known as The Fort in Global City.

There is absolutely no way to verify every minute detail of this cold murder case unless one is a tenacious private investigator with the mixed pedigree of a bloodhound and a bulldog. One thing that comes across clearly, at least to me, is that the ghost of Stephen C. Davis, whether real or conjured by hypnotic suggestion, didn’t seem to be obsessed with vengeance or justice although he did seem knowledgeable about his killer’s whereabouts. Underneath the bone-chilling poltergeist tactics his restless soul employed to reach out from beyond the grave, he was no more than a lonely soul whose young life was cut down so suddenly and so tragically one dark moonless night. Stuck in a nebulous, nether world between the living and the world beyond, nothing seemed to be as important to this murdered American soldier as being remembered. It didn’t matter even if the remembrance is by a motley crew of curious, total strangers.

With a sigh of relief over the realization that the spirit was neither malevolent nor malicious, Stephen C. Davis would probably have to deal with an incensed group of total strangers who would gladly take turns putting their hands around his poltergeist neck and choking him, if they could, for scaring them half to death while using the rest rooms.

The ghost simply wanted to call attention to his plight, to being stuck in limbo or trapped in a dimension that defies time and

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‘Competition law not a burden to…

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 8-10, 2016

environment as conducive to investments as possible, providing a level playing field for all participants regardless of their size, and for the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to be able to thrive and grow to become big players.”

“So it’s not in the intention of the law to add more burden to enterprises. There are consequences [such as the reporting requirements], but we were mindful of them in drafting the implementing rules and regulations (IRR),” the PCC chairman added. “Our mandate is to improve investment climate as we give a better fair outcomes for the consumers.”

The competition law under Republic Act 10667 mandates that transactions of mergers and acquisitions (M&As), as well as joint ventures (JVs) exceeding P1 billion in value should be evaluated by the PCC for anticompetitive practices and abuse of dominant market share.

According to the final and approved IRR of the law, transactions valued more than P1 billion must be reported to the PCC, along with other documents and information requested by the commission for the assessment

and investigation, if needed.

The IRR further states that companies engaging in M&As and JVs are prohibited from consummating the covered deals while the PCC conducts its evaluation.

Some businessmen have expressed worries about the competition act, fearing that the law might be another bureaucratic layer or a form of “red tape” that is misaligned with the general drive of the government to reduce the number steps in starting a business venture in the country.

“Before the enactment of this law, the Philippines was the only major country in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) that did not have a comprehensive competition law. So if other countries have thrived better when it comes to creating better opportunities with this kind of law, why it should be a hindrance [to the Philippines]?”

Balisacan said.

Created in February, the PCC is a quasi-judicial body formed by the Philippine Competition Act, and which is tasked to ensure efficient market competition among businesses engaged in trade, industry, and all commercial economic activities; to

protect consumer welfare; and to advance both domestic and international trade and economic development.

Sought for comment, Moody’s Investors Service Associate Economist Jack Chambers said the law would not be a roadblock for foreign firms wanting to do business or investments in the thriving Philippine economy.

“Overall this policy should not be overly burdensome for foreign firms seeking to invest in the Philippines. Oversight of foreign investment activity is common in many countries, both emerging and developed,” Chambers said.

“Therefore, as long as the PCC conducts its assessments in a timely and consistent manner, we would not expect this announcement to have a negative effect on FDI (foreign direct investment) inflows to the Philippines,” he added.

Moreover, Chambers said that the FDI inflows of the country are seen to improve over the next few years due to the statements of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte signaling a willingness to ease restrictions on foreign ownership as part of his economic plan. n

Clients can start a new life with a Chapter 7 petition to wipe out $80K of credit card debt and start saving $2,400 a month as they enter retirement. Just in the nick of time. But if you go to hell, sorry, you can’t file a Chapter 7 petition to get out of hell and enter heaven. Make your choice now, while you still can. The devil is always on the prowl, ever deceiving you with false promises to bring you to hell.

Next client is a widow at 65.

Her husband died last month.

Husband passed away unexpectedly. She still works and makes $2K a month as an assembler.

Husband was making $3,400 a month as an LVN but fell ill and died in five months. He went into

a coma on the fourth month and never recovered. He left credit cards of $28K. His creditors are threatening to sue her and garnish her wages because the credit cards were community property debts. Surviving spouse is liable for community property debts. Client decides to start fresh at 65 with a Chapter 7 fresh start to wipe out husband’s $28K of credit card debt. She needs to do this because if she continues to pay minimum on $28K, that’s $900 a month. She now lives with her son so she doesn’t pay rent. But why pay $900 a month for credit cards when she can save that $900 every month for her own use and security? $900 a month of savings is $10,800 a

Calendar of Events across

year. In three years, client should have saved up $32,400 in the bank. Who wants to have $28K of credit card debt at 65 sucking up $900 of social security or pension? Even a bimbo can figure this out.

“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the rock eternal.” — Isaiah 26:4

*** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California.

Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.

(Advertising Supplement)

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS JUNE 11

Philippine Independence Day celebration The Philippine Independence Day Foundation in conjunction with the City of Carson and GMA Pinoy TV will hold the 118th Philippine Independence Day celebration at Veterans Park and Sports Complex, 22400 Moneta Avenue, Carson, CA 90745. The event is celebrated yearly in the City of Carson and is attended by thousands of Carson residents, as well as people from different parts of Southern California. The celebration will take place from 8am to 6pm. For more information, call (310) 549-3111.

Kalayaan Incorporated celebrates the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence On June 11, from 6 p.m. to midnight, at the Concourse Hotel, a Hyatt Affiliated Hotel, Los Angeles International Airport, Kalayaan Incorporated will stage its annual gala dinner ball with Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim as the guest speaker. Attendees will hear his farewell words of wisdom as he ends his term in Los Angeles on June 30. At the helm of the freedom day commemoration are President Josie E. de Jesus, event chair, and Vice President Jose Relson Banas, co-chair. Emcees are Lydia V. Solis and Noel S.V. Omega.

Program Director Ted Benito and Program Committee Chair Zeny Sabocor will have a highspirited presentation from endearing singers Manny Evaldez, Sam Santiago, and Christine Love. PASACAT Philippine Performing Arts Company, the Filipino-American Musical Ensemble, a rondalla group, and the Fil-Am Choir of St. Pius V of Buena Park, Calif., promise an enchanting evening for attendees. And be carried away with the music from Bits N’ Pieces Band. For more information, contact Gil Mislang (562) 417-6772 or Lydia V. Solis lvsolis@aol.com.

LACFAEA to celebrate 118th Philippine Independence Day The Los Angeles County Filipino-American Employees Association is all set to celebrate the 118th Philippine Independence Day on June 11 at the Pasadena Hilton, 168 S. Los Robles Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For more information, please call Rosalinda Vangie Cruz (661) 406-5136; Edwin Martinez (818) 438-6517 or Tony Millonado at (818) 515-2147.

7K Fun Run Life Steps Foundation presents its first annual Social Dynamics 7K Fun Run to be held in San Francisco on June 11. The starting line will be located between Lake Merced Boulevard. and Sunset Boulevard. Parking will be available. Registration fee is $40; there is an optional pledge of $10 per mile. The registration fee includes snacks, water, a medal and a fun run t-shirt. Proceeds from the fun run will benefit adults with development disabilities and behavioral challenges who require assistance and supervision. Interested participants may to sign up by visiting the website: http://www.lifestepsfoundation.org. Donations and pledges are also accepted via their website. For more information, contact Stephen Victoriano at (650) 259-1808.

J U N E 26

Cabiao USA annual picnic Join Cabiao USA for its annual picnic on Sunday, June 26 at Wilderness Park in Downey, California from 11 am to 5 pm. There will be food, games, prizes and karoke! Meet kababayans, relatives and new friends and help plan for our 25th anniversary next year. For more information, call Allan Ocampo (323) 684-1820, Irma Ocampo Alcaraz (323) 861-6101, Gardy Parungao (562) 754-7511 or Andy Tecson (323) 467-5096.

S E P T E M B E R 8 -1 7

42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia United Bicolandia Los Angeles (UBLA) invites everyone, Bicolanos, devotees and friends to come and celebrate the 42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol Region. The festivities will start on Sept. 9, with the translacion at 5pm at the Immaculate of Mary Church (4954 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029. A nightly novena Mass follows from Sept. 9 to Sept. 16 at 6 PM except on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 3:30 PM and Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2;30 PM and culminates on Saturday, Sept.

17, with the ninth day novena at 8am, foot & fluvial procession at 9 AM, and a Concelebrated Mass at 10 am at Lincoln Park, 3501 Valley Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90031. Main celebrant will be HE Most Rev Arturo Bastes, Bishop of Sorsogon. For details, please call Lanie Berrei (818) 281-3169 or Gene Leano (818) 439-6896.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

Duterte admin considers lowering…

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However, these must be the right projects at the right places, at the right time and at the right prices,” said Peter Perfecto, executive director of the Makati Business Club.

John Forbes, senior adviser at American Chamber of Commerce

and Industry, said the next government should spend on mass transit, airports, and irrigation, among others.

Public-private partnership (PPP) projects, of which 12 have already been awarded, should also be accelerated.

“They can fast track the PPPs

and that should also help in ensuring that they remain within their deficit targets since that will cost less for the government,” Forbes said in a separate text message.

“Better infrastructure makes the economy more efficient,” he added. n

PH targets 6 areas to improve global…

PAGE B2 t

the International Finance Corporation’s Doing Business Report, moving up 45 notches for the past five years. Currently, the Philippines ranks 103rd out of 189 economies in the report.

The country aims to be on the top third or number 63 of the world rankings this year.

“To reach the upper third this year will be sort of stretch now and we knew it was an ambitious stride but we made great strides.

So we continue to try to land on the upper third, but it will be challenging,” Cristobal said.

“Again, we do this not because of the annual World Bank report or other international re-

ports. These are just convenient tools to measure our performance. We do not do this to attract more foreign direct investments, though that may be one of the benefits, nor do we do this purely because of business. The main reason why we are complying is for the small guys out there,” he added. n

B JUNE 8-10, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes ONE traditional way of obtaining permanent residency for most immigrants is through a petition by a US citizen spouse.

As a spouse of a US Citizen, an alien is considered an immediate relative and entitled to immediately apply for a green card inside the United States. This is usually done by simultaneously filing an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative and an I-485 Application to adjust status. However in order to do this, the alien spouse must have been inspected when the alien entered the United States or if not inspected must be grandfathered by section 245(i) of the immigration and nationality act. Being inspected means that the alien entered using a valid visa, paroled inside the United States, entered using the visa waiver program. The alien is grandfathered by section 245(i) if a family petition or a labor certification has been filed for the benefit of that alien prior

EMPLOYMENT

Community Journal

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

Permanent residency through marriage to US citizen spouse to April 30, 2001. If the alien was not inspected nor grandfathered under section 245(i), such as if the alien crossed the border illegally, the alien cannot obtain his or her green card inside the United States. Then it becomes a catch 22 situation because if the alien spouse leave the US, the alien spouse becomes subject to the 3/10 year unlawful presence bar. The alien spouse may apply for a provisional waiver of the 3/10 year bar inside the US which will give the alien spouse some assurance that he or she may be able to come back the US if he or she interviews at the US embassy overseas for the immigrant visa.

Along with the application and petition, the alien is also required to take a medical examination by a physician designated by the USCIS. The result of that physical examination is reported in a USCIS form and sealed in an envelope submitted with the Petition and Adjustment Application.

The alien spouse may also apply for a work authorization card with the Petition and Adjustment application. The work authorization card will allow the

alien spouse to work legally in the United States, obtain a social security card, and a driver’s license while that person is waiting for his or her green card interview. Work Authorization card are usually issued in about1 to 2 months from filing the application.

The green card interview is usually set in about 5 to 6 months from the time the Petition and Application is filed. The green card interview is the most important step in the process. It is through this process that the USCIS officer usually determines whether the marriage, which forms the basis of the Petition, was entered in good faith. The adjudicating officer usually asks detailed questions about the marriage relationship between the US Citizen spouse and alien spouse. If the couple do not have children, the marriage are usually subject to closer scrutiny. Along with this inquiry process, the USCIS would usually request for certain documents that proves a bonafide marriage.

Some of these documents may be in the form of pictures, joint utility bills, health insurance

EMPLOYMENT

documents, and many more. If everything goes well, the USCIS officer will approve the case and a green card will be mailed to the alien’ address within a reasonable time period. If the couple has been married for 2 years or more, the alien spouse will recieve a permanent greencard. If the couple has been married for less than 2 years, the alien will receive a conditional green card. The alien spouse will have to file a petition to remove the condition 3 months prior to the expiration of the conditional greencard

which is good for 2 years.

Obtaining legal status in the United States is a one shot deal.

People should seek the assistance of an experienced Attorney to guide them through this important and and once in a lifetime process. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located

at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, nonspecific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation.

(Advertising Supplement)

The curious case of Stephen…

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space. Scaring mortals was one heck of a way to do it.

If you remember the movie “Ghost” there was one such paranormal being who was practically forced into mentoring Patrick Swayze’s character in the ways of poltergeists. The movie character is a disembodied soul trapped in one dimension. He inhabited a New York subway because he was pushed on the path

of a train and died. He was stuck and could not cross over to the other side because his time had not yet come. So he spends his time morosely bent on mischief scaring the living daylights out of subway commuters.

Because his approximate death anniversary is supposedly December 15, Stephen C. Davis is again reaching out from the grave one more time from another century, so that he may

EMPLOYMENT

PSYCHIC

be remembered and included in prayers just once more until he reaches final closure and eternal rest. Do pray for him if you can.

If Stephen Davis’s story holds up, it is clear that to be forgotten as though one’s life didn’t matter is indeed tragic. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 8-10, 2016

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B JUNE 8-10, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 8, 2016

Philippine independence as history tells it On June 12, 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the Philippines’ independence from Spanish colonial rule and established a provincial government that he eventually headed. However, prior to his proclamation, Aguinaldo was in exile and only made arrangements with United States authorities to return to his country and assist them with their fight against Spain.

Spain colonized the Philippines in the 16th century and was opposed by Filipino priests, as Spaniards dominated the Roman Catholic churches in the islands. By the late 19th century, many Filipinos — not just the plain folk but middleclass citizens as well — began calling for independence.

The Katipunan and Aguinaldo’s exile A secret revolutionary society was formed in Manila in 1892 called “Katipunan.” Many immediately joined in, and when the Spanish discovered the group’s plans for rebellion in 1896, the Katipunan was forced to fight them prematurely. In 1897, Aguinaldo became leader of the rebellion.

Many Filipinos see Agui-

Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo led the fight against the Spanish.

Manuel L. Quezon became the Philippines’ first President in 1935.

naldo as an important figure in Philippine history. However, some see him as a sell out when he went into exile in Hong Kong. With the Katipunan rebels unprepared for its battle against the Spanish, Aguinaldo negotiated an agreement with the colonizers in exchange for financial compensation and a promise of reform in the Philippines. When he and his generals departed,

Commodore George Dewey led the annihilation of the Spanish fleet at the Battle of Manila Bay.

A painting depicting the Battle of Manila Bay.

the Philippine Revolution temporarily ended.

The Spanish-American War Spain was also trying to take over Cuba that time and in April 1898, the Spanish-American War started. The US won a series of victories against Spain, including when Commodore George Dewey led the annihilation of the Spanish Pacific fleet at the Battle of Manila Bay on Photo from the Library of Congress May 1, 1898.

Infographics by:

When Aguinaldo came out of exile, he rallied his revolutionaries and began liberating towns. Thinking that the country has achieved its complete freedom from colonizers, he proclaimed Philippine independence on June 12.

Also, the Spanish commander who was surrounded in Manila by both the Filipino rebels and Dewey’s squadron, demanded two conditions for

his surrender: First, the US will advance into the capital and make it look like a battle, and second, under no conditions were the Filipino rebels be allowed into the city.

So, the mock Battle of Manila was stage, and the Americans kept their promise to keep the rebels out of the city.

From one colonizer to another So while the Americans

occupied Manila and discussed peace negotiations with Spain, Aguinaldo organized the Malolos revolutionary assembly in September. In January 1899, The first democratic constitution in Asia was drew up and a government was formed wherein Aguinaldo was President.

The Philippine Insurrection began in February 4, when Continued on Page 5

features

Celebrating our freedom: PH Independence Day IN the United States, Philippine Independence Day has acquired cultural awareness after the dawn of the 21st century. This holiday is celebrated among Filipinos in America and is now a huge event for many Filipino-Americans to rekindle their origin and heritage.

Filipinos around the world come together to celebrate Philippine Independence Day and to create awareness of the Philippine culture. Several main objectives are to raise funds

for charity projects in the Philippines and the United States.

In Los Angeles, hundreds of Fil-Ams paraded through the historic Filipinotown district last Saturday, June 4 to kick off Philippine Independence Day festivities happening throughout the entire month of June.

Last Sunday, June 5 was the Philippine Independence Council, Inc.’s (PIDCI) celebration in New York. In spite of the rain, thousands of people — both participants and spectators — walked through

Madison Ave. from 36th Street to Madison Park.

This New York event is the oldest and biggest community parade and celebration of the Philippine independence outside Manila, which is now in its 34th year. The Philippine American Communities of the east Coast initiated the parade in 1972 on Madison Avenue.

Today, that community celebration has become a tradition with the growing generations of Filipinos in the east coast.

(AJPress)

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The Asian Journal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 8, 2016

PIDF to celebrate the 118th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day at Carson’s Veterans Park on June 11

The Philippine Independence Day Foundation, Inc. (PIDF), in conjunction with the City of Carson, GMA Life TV, GMA Pinoy TV, and GMA News TV, will celebrate the 118th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day at the Carson Veterans Park (22400 Moneta Street, Carson, CA 90745) on Saturday, June 11, 2016. Thousands of people will enjoy the non-stop, day-long event jampacked with entertainment and activities that feature the rich, beautiful, and spirited Filipino heritage. It truly is an opportunity to spend time with families and friends in the Filipino/Filipino-American Community of Carson, CA and across the South Bay, Los Angeles Area.

The eventful day kicks off with a Flag Raising ceremony at 7:45am, followed by an ecumenical Service and a Community Mass afterwards. The parade, to The first Katipunan flag used by Andres Bonifacio, done by his wife, Gregoria de Jesus. Other Katipube headed by 118th Philippine nan members used other variations of this flag.

Independence Grand Marshal Kenneth Dami, Director of So CA Public & Government Affairs for Tesoro - and to be participated in by a multitude of Community Organizations and Associations from all across Southern California, will be at about 10:30am.

This will be followed by the Gen. Mariano Llanera’s personal flag, which Andres Bonifacio’s personal flag. day-long program featuring the Bonifacio referred to as “Bungo ni Llanera” or wonderful talents of the follow“Llanera’s Skull.” ing folks: Jazzmine Farol (Singer, Songwriter, and Philanthropist), US Veterans Chorale Group (led

by Dra. Jenny Batongmalaque), Laica & Laiza Parchamento (Multi-Talented Sisters), Christine Mosquera (10 yr-old Singing Sensation), Musical Band (By Gen. Gregorio del Pilar’s personal flag, which was The first official Philippine flag in 1897 but was Francis echave), Kyra De Castro patterned after that of Cuba’s, which was also in only used less than year because of the truce (LA Rising Young Star), Carson revolt against Spain. between Filipino leaders and Spanish authorities. Park Line Dancers (by Jewel Bumpas), Carson elite Dance same baybayin letter “ka.“ ter “ka” (for K) at the center.

Troupe (by Ahru Aquino), Macrea The final standard design was a Decena (Singing Teen Artist), Another faction, Magdalo, sun with eight rays, representunder Gen. emilio Aguinaldo, IMB-Academy (Filipino Martial ing the eight provinces place used a similar flag to what the Arts Demonstration), Carson under martial law by the Span- Coeds & Carson Street Dance Magdiwang faction had. It featured a white sun with the Continued on Page 4 (Youth Street Dance exhibition),

Flags of the Philippine Revolution PRIOR to the making of the official Filipino flag in hong Kong by Mrs. Marcela de Agoncillo, there were other flags used by the Katipunan secret society and its various factions.

After the Katipunan was dissolved, the Philippine army and its civil government also had their own flags to represent their groups -- some of which were for personal use.

During the Philippine Centennial celebration in 1998, a list of official flags was released. These should not be confused as the “evolution of the Philippine flag,” but instead are properly called as the “Flags of the Revolution.”

Lastly, though many of the flags have symbols and layouts that may seem to inspire the official Philippine flag today, history states that there is no direct relationship between them whatsoever.

Katipunan flags Andres Bonifacio asked his wife, Gregoria de Jesus, to create a flag for the Katipunan.

What came out was a simple red flag bearing the society’s acronym, KKK, and became the group’s first flag. The “K” in the middle of the sun stood for “Kalayaan” or “Freedom.”

Member of the group also used other variations of the flag. As the revolution heated up, the Magdiwang faction of the Katipunan under Mariano Alvarez adopted a red flag with a white sun with the baybayin (the ancient Tagalog script) let-

Celebrate PH Independece Day at Carson’s Veterans Park with Miss World 2013 Megan Young on Saturday, June 11.

Mine Band (by Malou Toler), Christine Love (Soul/RnB Singer, 2-time Aliw Awards Winner), Manny evaldez (Sensational Singer from United Pampanga Leaders Council), CSULB Pilipino American Coalition (Tinikling performance), Sampaguita Youth Dance Troupe, Michelle & Abraham (Dance exhibition Champion), Innerlude (R&B Singing Duo), Terence Trevor L. Panganiban (Sensational Soloist), and Zumba by Rose, Lance, Lai and Company.

The program will also feature very special guests Joseph Gelito and Company, and will be highlighted by GMA Network ‎actress, model, TV host and Miss World beauty queen Megan Young!

This event would not be possible without the leadership

of Councilmember elito M. Santarina and the generosity of our sponsors; Tesoro Refining and Marketing LLC, Waste Management, Watson Land, Carson Companies, Community Dynamics, east West Bank, Grace home health Care, KLF Trucking Company, Milestone hospice, Nationwide environmental Services, Brea Canon Oil Co., Leelin Bakery & Cafe, Kellogg Garden Products, and Thomas Safran & Associates.

We look forward to spending a fun-filled day with you, your families, and your friends on Saturday, June 11th during the 118th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day! For questions or clarifications, please email pidf.info@ gmail.com.

*Advertising Supplemen

How Jennylyn shields her child from show biz entertainment Sharon Cuneta loses 50 lbs.

4

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 8, 2016

by Marinel

r. Cruz

Inquirer.net

Sharon Cuneta shows off her smaller figure. on Monday, June 6, Sharon posted a photo of her on Facebook after losing 50 lbs.

“I feel I’ve lost about 50 lbs. now but am still not satisfied,” she said on the caption. “a little bit more to lose and I’ll be back to my pre-Miel shape!”

When the Megstar was introduced as the new “The Voice Kids” coach in april, she announced that she’s working on her weight as preparation for her upcoming film which will be shot in august.

(Joyce Jimenez/Philstar.

Photo from Sharon Cuneta’s Facebook account com)

Meet Xian Lim, the pianist

by Marinel

r. Cruz

Inquirer.net

XIan Lim is set to wow his fans when he plays a baby grand piano at his coming July 9 solo concert at the Kia Theatre in Quezon City.

“It’s something I’ve long dreamed of doing,” he disclosed at his recent launch as endorser of the Swiss luxury watch brand Technomarine.

“I will be playing a grand piano, and a Philharmonic orchestra will [possibly] join me,” he added. “People will hear classical music and ballads. The [repertoire] is a collaboration between me and Star records (the music distribution arm of aBS-CBn).”

The 26-year-old actor said he used to do recitals in small venues when he was younger. “on that day, I’ll get to do it for more people—that’s where the excitement is coming from.

I’m thrilled by the fact that I can touch other people’s lives with my performance and choice of songs,” he shared with the Inquirer, adding that he hoped for Star records to release a

Xian Lim

live recording of the show. on his screen partner Kim Chiu, who also had a successful concert in the same venue in april, Xian said he hoped they could work on something together for their supporters soon.

Their TV series, “The Story of Us,” recently began its Book 2, with Cathy Garcia-Molina at the helm.

Xian, who has only started

working with Direk Cathy for a week, said he felt overwhelmed by how good a director she is.

“She has a different approach to work. She will attack and shred to pieces your character’s personality, to get a particular emotion out of you,” Xian recalled. “With Direk Cathy on board, viewers will see changes in the series. I’m hoping viewers will embrace them. ” Expect the series to return to El nido in Palawan where “Makoy (his character) and Tin’s love story began,” said Xian.

“You’ll get to see fishermen’s way of life there.”

When asked why his and Kim’s characters were apart in much of Book 1, Xian explained: “This is because Book 2 tells about how you always find your way back to the person you love. It tells us that life isn’t a fairy tale; that it has ups and downs.

“The series wants to show that even when problems almost crush you to the ground, you mustn’t give up. You have to keep fighting.”

aT eight years old, Jennylyn Mercado’s son, Jazz, still has a vague understanding of the work she does.

“I don’t think Jazz has an idea of what I do,” said Jennylyn. “I want him to see me as a normal mom.”

Jazz is her son with Patrick Garcia. “he knows that I have to be away for long hours. he sees me come home late, or sometimes, come home just to bathe, then leave shortly after,” the actress told Inquirer during a media gathering for the “Beauty for a Purpose” campaign of avon Fashions Intimate apparel, which she endorses.

“I don’t let him watch my TV shows. My recent teleserye, ‘My Faithful husband,’ isn’t for kids his age. he only watches cartoons,” she added.

She admitted to being a disciplinarian. “I spank his hands if he gets too naughty and rowdy, but I explain to him why I do it,” she shared with Inquirer.

They spend quality time, usually at the mall “because he likes to run around. he probably doesn’t even notice when people come up to me for photo ops.”

Jennylyn said she has more time with Jazz now that she is done with her TV commitments.

The actress recently began working with Ivory records on

Jennylyn Mercado

another album, which is set for release in September. It will feature eight tracks, six of which are originals, including a duet with Christian Bautista.

She is likewise working on another movie, which could be an entry in the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

“Just the Three of Us,” her recent hit movie with John Lloyd Cruz for Star Cinema, fueled speculation that she would soon transfer to the Kapamilya network.

When asked to confirm the rumor, Jennylyn said: “I don’t know yet. I guess that’s between my manager and the network.” asked about FhM’s 100 Sexiest Women list which she topped in 2015, and being a two-time MMFF best actress awardee, Jennylyn said: “I give my best to any project I take part in. I don’t expect to win again this year. I’m just glad that people appreciate how I take care of my body, even if I’m already a mom.”

Flags of the Philippine...

From Page 3 iards (Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan and nueva Ecija), which was later used in the national flag of the Philippines Personal flags among those who had personal flags during the revolution was Bonifacio, who was the Katipunan’s Supremo.

Similar to the Katipunan’s, this flag was first unveiled on august 23, 1896 during the Cry of Pugadlawin. It was then later used during the Battle of San Juan del Monte on august 30, 1896, the first major battle of

the Philippine revolution.

General Mariano Llanera, who fought in the provinces of Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga and nueva Ecija; stepped away from the color red for his personal flag. he instead used a black flag with a white K and skull. Bonifacio called that flag as “Bungo ni Llanera” or “Llanera’s Skull.

General Pio del Pilar also has personal flag called “Bandila ng Matagumpay,” or “Flag of the Triumphants,” was also red with a white triangle. and mountain with a rising sun behind it. The flag was first used

on July 11, 1895. another general who used a flag was Gregorio del Pilar. his flag was patterned after Cuba, which was also in revolt against Spain.

The first official Filipino flag was adopted by Katipunan military leaders on March 17, 1897 at the naic assembly.

It was a red banner, with an eighth-rayed sun and a face. It was only used for less than a year because there was truce signed between Filipino leaders and Spanish authorities on December 14-15, 1897.

(AJPress)

Philippine National Bank Los Angeles hires new Head of Operations LOS ANGELES—PNB Los Angeles is pleased to welcome a new member of their senior management team, Ma. Christine Bucacao as their new Head of Operations.

Marie Christine Bucacao, the new Operations Head of PNB Los Angeles has been in customer service for 15 years.

In 2010, she joined PNB Manila and handled remittance processing for PNB Europe. She spearheaded the phone remit team for PNBRCI in 2012. Her team received service excellence award in the areas of risk management, customer service and process improvement. Her background also includes credit card support operations, sales and back-office processing where she worked for multi-national companies such as HSBC and Accenture.

PNB is proud to be celebrating its 100th anniversary as a financial institution in the Philippines. We have dedicated this centennial celebration in the commitment to serve bestin-class products & services to Filipinos worldwide.

PNB continuously expands its products and services in the United States and we are pleased to have hired new members in our team to help

Pinky Nicolas, Senior Sales & Service Associate

Facilitations Team (from Left) Ann De Jesus, Sales Associate, Tin Bucacao, Operations Head, Cherwyne Tupil, Sales Associate

Branch Personnel (from left): Ann De Jesus, Pau Gilbuena (Business Development Officer), Pinky Nicolas, Bert San Agustin (Loans Specialist), Beverly Guerrero (Trading Assistant), Cherwyne Tupil, Rolfe Sison (Admin Assistant), Tin Bucacao, Joanne Rivera (General Manager)

deliver our goals for 2016 and beyond. We will announce great news in the coming months to further serve our

PNB customers.

Tangkilikin natin ang serbisyong Pinoy!

*Advertising Supplement

Philippine independence as history...

From Page 2 Filipino rebels and US troops fought inside American lines in Manila. Two days later, after 300 years of Spanish colonial rule, the Philippines became a US territory — in exchange for $20 million as compensation to the Spanish.

The war against the US There was a new war afoot — this time with the US. Aguinaldo formally launched a new revolt, but Americans proved to be a strong opponent that the rebels were consistently defeated. Many of the rebels turned into guerillas, and in spite of many anti-imperialists in US like William Jennings,

who was opposed to the annexation of the Philippines, the war continued.

In 1901, Aguinaldo was captured by Gen. Frederick Funston and his group. The Filipino rebel leader took an oath of allegiance to the US and called for an end to the rebellion, but many still fought on.

In 1902, the Philippines was taken over by an American civil government, ending the Philippine Insurrection. At the end, there were more Americans who died trying to suppress the Philippines, more than that the number killed in the Spanish-American War. This is incomparable of course to the

Filipinos who died in both wars — over 20,000 rebels and an unknown number of civilians.

The most striking fact about the Philippines’ fight for complete independence was it was never fully achieved until 1946.

In 1935, Manuel L. Quezon was elected the country’s first president and the Commonwealth of the Philippines was established (with US approval, of course). Full independence was granted to the Republic of the Philippines by the US on July 4, 1946 — which is also known in the country as Philippine-American Friendship Day. (AJPress)

features 5

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 8, 2016

Check H Mart’s newest weekly specials your smartphones H Mart launches new mobile app H Mart, NO.1 Asian supermarket chain in US, launched new mobile app for its smartcard customers. H Mart App provides information such as weekly sales, flyers, and coupon items for local H Mart, store address, phone number, and hours of operation for its customers to access easily than by accessing the website (www. hmart.com).

Smartcard customers can look up instantly to their smartcard points and transactions for past 60 days. Also, they use the e-coupons, which were sent out through e-mails monthly, right from their smartphone. With launching the mobile app, H Mart also renewed their website. And through its website, H Mart is striving to reach better customer care with such providing service as delivery service to all of US and fresh & frozen items to Manhattan area.

H Mart mobile app can be

found on google playstore and other appstores. For additional information, contact H-Com-

merce dept. (tel. 201-2291111) in H Mart.

*Advertising Supplement

What Darren learned from backstabbing experience DARREN Espanto admitted that he has experienced backstabbing from someone close to him. Last week, his fans were worried about his cryptic post about backstabbers on his Instagram account.

On the caption he said, “Don’t worry about backstabbers, they’re the people who tried their hardest finding faults in your life instead of fixing the faults in theirs.”

“It’s unfortunate po na I’ve experienced this, and I won’t elaborate any further po, pero it’s true that I have been backstabbed,” he said in an interview in ABS-CBN’s late night talk show “Tonight with Boy Abunda” on Thursday, June 2.

Although he was hurt about what happened, Darren chose to take it in a positive way.

“It’s a good thing kasi I have learned this in an early age. Good thing I learned from this is be careful with people I’ve trusted, I deal with or hangout with,” he concluded.

Darren launched his newest album “Be With Me.” He will also have a concert dubbed “Darren Espanto D Total Experience” on June 25 at the Kia Theater, with Jed Madela as his special guest.

(Philstar.com)

features A flavorful experience across Vietnam at The District by Hannah An 6

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 8, 2016

By Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

Hearing the “an” last name immediately draws a connection to Crustacean, a fine-dining institution with locations in Beverly Hills and San Francisco.

For three generations, the an family has successfully elevated Vietnamese-inspired cuisine and built up the multi-million dollar food and hospitality conglomerate House of an.

So when i heard that one of the daughters, Hannah, launched her own restaurant, i was intrigued. if you’ve dined at any of the House of an restaurants previously, you may find some similarities, but it’s best to experience this new gustatory experience by shedding comparisons aside and leaving them at the door.

Located in the Beverly grove neighborhood (in between Beverly Hills and West Hollywood) of Los angeles, The District by Hannah an is a venture into more traditional Vietnamese flavors, while borrowing elements of the Southern California setting

— from the fresh, local produce and seafood to the dining atmosphere.

“The time is right for The District, as americans are now more adventurous about ethnic cuisines, and Vietnamese cooking is no longer so mysterious to diners,” an said. “With all its global influences, Vietnamese cuisine provides a lot of room for creativity and gives our guests many familiar points of reference. it’s comfort food in the context of culture.”

During an intimate dinner previewing the new spring menu, guests, including myself, were treated to a multi-course meal that started with welcome drinks and concluded with a sampling of desserts.

For those who enjoy craft and classic cocktails, the bar menu is not to be glossed over, as all of the mixes are organic and made in house. as guests trickled in, we started off by sipping on the “Hot asian” (Loft & Bear vodka infused w lemongrass, organic Vietnamese chili agave, chili tincture & lime zest). if you’re feeling adventurous,

this cocktail will not disappoint, as it packs in citrusy flavors and surprises with bursts of spiciness. an, who sat down with us during the meal, explained that the menu was constructed based on her travels throughout different districts of her native home of Vietnam and plays on the cuisine’s five fundamental elements of spicy, sour, bitter, salty and sweet. You’ll find those iconic Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi, but the standouts are Western-dishes that have subtle influences from an’s heritage. aside from the food itself, the interiors of the restaurant are also visual treats that go along with theme — the entrance doors are a century-old, evoking the architecture of a Colonial Vietnamese home. The downstairs dining room is dimly-lit with hand-blown edison bulbs hanging from the ceiling, while the upstairs setting is more modern and opulent.

For starters, we sampled the Saigon calamari, marinated with a Szechuan spice mix and topped with a frisee salad and

ruby cherry pepperoncini. Then came the Vietnamese herb bone marrow (with charred onion, comte cheese & herbs), which just glided off and was meant to be placed on top a piece of bread. easily this dish earned its title as one of the favorites of the night. as the night progressed, the dishes kept coming out one after the other. There was the grilled octopus — with tomatoes, hoisin, red fresno and miso sauce — that was not too chewy and earned rave reviews from those who are otherwise not fans of that particular seafood, including myself. The beef dumplings and rice paper spring rolls were light and fresh, while the candied walnut tiger prawns in house aioli were savory. at some point, the Hot asian was swapped out for another cocktail, the “Love You Long Time” (Loft & Bear vodka infused with cucumber, fresh lime, organic agave, cantaloupe and cucumber), a refreshing palate cleanser in between the meat and vegetable-filled dishes.

Of course, a Vietnamese meal would not be complete without some sort of broth, an said, as she brought out the imperial spicy beef soup bun bo, a noodle soup with beef and lemongrass broth.

Crustacean may have its famous crab and garlic noodles, but the The District has alaskan king crab legs with Hannah’s crab legs, famous noodles. The which already came cracked so the meat could be scooped out, were seasoned with mint-basil pesto, while the noodles were tossed with lemon and panko crumbs.

Other new menu items, which were not tasted during this dinner, include: oven roasted oysters with Vietnamese herbs, District Wok lobster and eggs, and foie gras French toast.

To top the night off, three

Photos courtesy of The District by Hannah An

AJPress photos by Christina M. Oriel

desserts were brought out: lemongrass créme brulee; banana tapioca (coconut milk tapioca, banana ice cream, flambéed banana and sesame seeds); and pineapple bread pudding (caramel-rum sauce, homemade coconut ice cream and toasted coconut). all three were not too decadent and sweet, so there was some room for them after a lengthy meal.

Overall, the dishes are meant

to be shared family-style with appropriately-sized portions that are presented and plated for the upscale Los angeles scene.

Through a meal here, you can get a primary, yet rich taste of Vietnam, which may spark a case of wanderlust.

The District by Hannah An is located at 8722 W. Third St., Los Angeles, CA. Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are accepted.

Moonlighting

Vacations fade fast

by Mylah de

leon

VACATIONS are nothing more than series of moments that you remember between all the exhaustion, moving from one place to another. It’s the special times obliterated by little things that you remember, as one tries desperately to cling to joyous carefree days and all the cultural enrichment you experienced on a trip.

But when vacation overloads, you know its time to go home. You’re exhausted from packing and rearranging the souvenirs you can’t live without, you’re fed up with people quoting battles and dates, you’re bored with your wardrobe and your hair and you want to eat LA food. (Of course, I want to hear fellow journalist Steve Angeles of “Balitang America” tell me how Los Angeles fared in my absence).

It is time to go home when you don’t know why you take out everything on your surroundings: the soap is the size of a credit card, the bedspread weights 148 pounds and I have to remove it, with a temper tantrum. That’s when I realize some of the most creative fiction being written today are travel brochures — and then I cry.

With the Grandkids at the Kennedy Memorial in Hyannis Port – Cape Cod

When our plane landed, 150 passengers sprung into the aisles as if someone yelled “Fire!” Everyone dragged carry-ons, coats, souvenirs and children down miles of corridor until they reach the baggage area. They arm wrestled one another to be on the front of the carousel. The only thing that stood by us and home.

The baggage claim area, is

absolutely sub-human and I am convinced there will never be world peace until we can get 200 people to claim their luggage in an orderly fashion.

We were travelers who at the beginning of our trip laughed and told jokes, our clothes were matched, and when we saw a line, we went to the end of it.

But reentering the world

features The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 8, 2016

you have left for two weeks is not an easy thing. One must pay a price for exploring new cultures, you really can’t just hop on a plane, arrive home and pick up where you left it.

You first have to go to a rite of passage, a ritual as old as man himself. It is called jet lag.

It is a temporary disruption of the body’s normal biological rhythms after high speed air travel through several time zones. It is a classy way of saying your body will never be the same again. You will sleep when everyone else is awake, nod off during a root canal, and possibly damage your biological canal and give birth at the age of 73.

You could die from jet lag.

I’ve read of a couple of feeble attempts to deal with the malady – a drug called Melatonin has been used effectively in sheep, but I have not known of any sheep that are frequent flyers!

Research came up that eating and drinking light and exercising helped make the transition from time zone to time zone easier.

So I usually pretend to row a boat, raise my knee to cheer, or roll the shoulder back and forth while airborne. The only Zumba exercise anyone gets on a plane is disengaging oneself from the jaws of the folding door of the restroom which threatened to digest me, as I scream, “Stop the plane!”

As we approached LA, my body wasn’t speaking to me

Chefs Michael Hung (Viviane) and Alvin Cailan (Unit 120) team up to host a Filipino backyard BBQ to benefit No Kid Hungry LOS ANGELES—Spend an evening feasting with friends and supporting a great charity with Chef Alvin Cailan and Michael Hung at their Filipino Backyard BBQ in support of No Kid Hungry, held on Thursday, June 9, 2016 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. The two chefs will transform the mezzanine level of Chinatown’s Far East Plaza into a vibrant DTLA party space inspired by their favorite childhood summer memories. Guests will experience an all-you-can-eat offering of Filipino inspired dishes, beer, wine and cocktails

from Faith & Flower’s Darwin Pornel, and DJs spinning everything from classic hip hop to modern disco. Tickets for the event are priced at $100 per person with 100% of proceeds benefitting No Kid Hungry’s work to end childhood hunger in America and can be purchased online at www.ticketsite. com One in five children in this country struggles with hunger. No Kid Hungry is ending childhood hunger in this nation by ensuring that kids start the day with a nutritious breakfast and

7

families learn the skills they need to shop and cook on a budget. Already, No Kid Hungry and its partners have connected kids struggling with hunger with 460 million meals.

The special BBQ is being held to support No Kid Hungry’s Chef’s Cycle fundraiser, in which Michael Hung and his team partner Abby Gavino are joining nearly 200 chefs and restaurant industry professionals who have committed to ride their bikes 300 miles in order toall help make sure all kids get the healthy food they need, every day.

anymore. We were at odds with one another the entire trip home. I made my legs work when they were asleep, my eyes closed when they were wide open, ate dinner in the AM and breakfast in the PM trying to adjust.

Back here in Los Angeles, as the plane emptied, it occurred to me we that all nine of us looked like derelicts. There

was the steady stream of passengers with eyes that sparkled under a rosy glaze, disheveled clothes, twisted hair that stood on end, enough bags under the eyes to keep 50 porters employed for a year.

The family had the look of people with no will to live! *** E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@ aol.com

8

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 8, 2016

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